PhD student in sustainable business pathways and innovation activities in the context of large societal transformations

Job Description

Industry: Education Administration Programs
Seniority for this role: Internship
This PhD project examines sustainable business pathways and innovation activities in turbulent environments within the framework of the project “Just Transition Governance Models and Entrepreneurship Pathways: Monitoring and Analyses” (2024−2028). It focuses on the work-package “Ida-Viru Changing Business Models,” funded by the European Just Trust Fund, in collaboration with TalTech and the University of Tartu, Estonia. The project aims to improve Ida-Viru County’s economic, environmental, and social conditions while developing a framework for transition processes and methodologies for empirical monitoring. As part of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, the study explores restructuring the Ida-Viru region’s economy through sustainable business development and innovation. It focuses on business model innovation, encompassing the creation, adoption, or replacement of models influenced by micro (knowledge, skills, values), meso (networks, finances, innovation culture), and macro (entrepreneurial ecosystems, societal changes) factors. Using mixed research methods, the project investigates drivers and barriers to sustainable business model innovation, aiming to develop a methodology and typology of innovations to support Ida-Viru’s transition. Comparative analyses with other Estonian and EU just transition regions are also possible. Key research questions address innovation activities, influencing factors, and relevant business model innovation typologies within the context of societal transformations. Research field: Business Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Gerstlberger, Dr. Merle Küttim Offered by: School of Business and Governance, Department of Business Administration Application deadline: January 01–24, 2025 (Europe/Zurich) Responsibilities and (foreseen) tasks: Compile and develop further an analytical framework for the planned mixed-method research, considering project aim and research questions as well as project’s ongoing activities. Map possible cases of business model innovation and develop a sampling strategy for conducting qualitative and quantitative studies within the Ida-Viru context. Undertake their own and contribute to ongoing qualitative and quantitative data collection by conducting interviews and surveys among various stakeholders (businesses, local governments, associations and other umbrella organizations, educational institutions, etc.) as well as analyzing existing business statistics, e.g., Business Registry data, Community Innovation Survey data, Research and Development Survey data, Environmental Protection Expenditures of Enterprises Survey data, etc. Analyze innovation-related activities of Ida-Viru companies and their influencing factors with the overall aim of developing a typology of business model innovations. Develop proposals for practical business model innovation-related activities at company level and wider policy suggestions at region or country level. Participate in research and practitioner workshops where project findings are presented and discussed. Engage in small-scale teaching and supervision related to their field of expertise and actively participate in the department’s activities. The candidate is expected to have: A master’s degree in social sciences. A clear interest in the topic of the position. Excellent command of English. Command of Estonian and Russian is an asset for candidates. Strong and demonstrable writing and analytical skills. Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research analysis (i.e., data collection, data handling, and performing uni- and multivariate statistical analysis). Capacity to work both as an independent researcher and as part of an international team. Capacity and willingness to assist in organizational tasks relevant to the project. The following experience is beneficial: Working knowledge of data analysis software, e.g., SPSS Statistics, Stata, R, Python, NVIVO, MAXQDA, Qualtrics, SurveyExact, or other similar software. The candidate should submit an initial research plan for the topic, including the overall research and data collection strategy. The candidate can expand on the listed research questions and tasks and propose theoretical lenses to be used. The research plan will be developed further considering the project’s aim and research questions as well as ongoing project activities once the candidate is admitted. We offer: A 4-year PhD position (employed as an Early-Stage Researcher at the Department of Business Administration) in a strong team of researchers. The chance to do high-level research in one of the most dynamic sustainability contexts globally. Opportunities for conference visits, research stays, and networking with leading universities and research centres in the fields of energy, environmental, and innovation studies. All PhD positions are guaranteed a gross income of at least €2,300 and Estonian national health insurance. About the department: Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is an international scientific community with approximately 9,000 students and 2,000 employees; it is one of the largest universities in Estonia, the leading EU country in digitalisation. The university’s strengths are broad multidisciplinary study/research interests, a modern research environment, and strong collaboration with international educational and research institutions. TalTech aims to be an organization leading the way to a sustainable digital future. The research carried out at the Department of Business Administration in the School of Business and Governance at TalTech deals with various aspects of business – entrepreneurship, sustainability, knowledge and technology transfer, operations and strategic management, digitalisation, marketing, supply chain management, accounting, and performance management. The School has over 200 employees. Additional information: For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Merle Küttim at merle.kuttim@taltech.ee and visit https://taltech.ee/en/phd-admission Show more Show less