Entrepreneurship for Green Growth – Entrepreneurial behaviour for a low-carbon, circular economy transition in Northern Ireland

Summary

Green Growth is deemed as being imperative to foster a sustainable future for all. Green growth refers to achieving economic growth which is environmentally sustainable (Mandle et al. 2019). To achieve green growth, there is a need for everyone to undertake climate actions. Climate action refers to efforts taken to combat climate change and its impacts. These actions can include, simple behavioural changes which everyone can enact, community-led approaches, encouraging firms to engage in eco-innovation and in turn creating a demand for more green jobs (and green skills), and encouraging (and supporting) more green entrepreneurship.

The overall aim of this PhD scholarship is to explore how entrepreneurial behaviour can aid the transition of Northern Ireland towards a low-carbon, circular economy. The topic will be shaped by the successful PhD candidate and should focus on a more narrow topic within one or more of the domains of entrepreneurial behaviour, eco-innovation and/or circular/low-carbon transition.

This PhD is open to explore concepts from an individual (including entrepreneur), business, community or policy perspective. However, a focus on entrepreneurial behaviour is required. The research will be set in a Northern Ireland context, however, we would welcome proposals which also draw on insights and best practices from other regions and countries which might inform useful insights for Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland has developed a draft Green Growth Strategy, which has an ambitious vision focused on balancing the climate, environment and the economy. One of the key commitments of the Strategy is to develop Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan will set out how we intend to achieve the carbon budget and the overall emissions reduction targets as stated in the Climate Change (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Act). The Climate Change (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Act) has set targets to achieve at least 100% reduction in net zero emissions by 2050.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

These scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.