POSITIONS: PhD Studentship in Innovation (University of Exeter)

[entrepreneurship-phd at lists.uni-due.de]

PhD Studentship in Innovation in partnership with the Met Office: Enabling an innovation culture in a public sector organisation Ref: 788

About the award

In partnership with the Met Office, the University of Exeter Business School is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified applicant for a doctoral studentship for three years to start in May 2011.

The Met Office is typical of a number of public sector knowledge-based institutions (KBIs) - others include Ordnance Survey, Office of National Statistics  - which were originally established to collect and manage knowledge for specific national purposes.  But recent years have seen a trend towards opening up public sector KBIs to a wider commercial environment - continuing to deliver their core role in public service but additionally offering products and services in a wider commercial market.  With the growth in the global 'knowledge economy' and the increasing importance of 'open innovation' the opportunities here are considerable.  At the same time there is a strong desire to strengthen innovation within Met Office operations, improving efficiency and deployment of knowledge.  Bringing an entrepreneurial approach to bear both internally and in a new external environment is likely to pose significant challenges, particularly in changing the culture of the organisation and in managing tensions between old and new approaches. The research will explore both the scope for innovation and approaches to development of a stronger innovation culture within the partner organisation.

You should hold a good first degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Business and Management, or any relevant social science) and have, or be about to obtain, a Masters degree in a relevant subject.  Preference will be given to applicants who have completed an ESRC-approved programme of social sciences training at Masters level or equivalent.  However, applications are welcome and will be considered from candidates with other Masters degrees and relevant experience. The successful candidate should be prepared to undergo standard Met Office security clearance checks.

Summary
Application deadline: 16th May 2011
Number of awards: 1
Value: 13,590 per annum plus full fees paid (3yrs full-time study)
Duration of award:per year
Contact: Helen Bell pgradmin at exeter.ac.uk

How to apply
You should hold a good first degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Business and Management, or any relevant social science) and have, or be about to obtain, a Masters degree in a relevant subject.  Preference will be given to applicants who have completed an ESRC-approved programme of social sciences training at Masters level or equivalent.  However, applications are welcome and will be considered from candidates with other Masters degrees and relevant experience. The successful candidate should be prepared to undergo standard Met Office security clearance checks.

UK/EU level fees will be paid, together with a maintenance grant of £13, 590 (2010/11 rate). Please send a copy of your CV, with the names and addresses of three referees to Helen Bell, Senior Administrator, University of Exeter Business School (pgradmin at exeter.ac.uk) marked with the reference, MET-1.  Please also enclose a brief statement outlining your academic interests and reasons for wishing to undertake this studentship of no more than 2 sides A4.  You should also explain why your academic training is relevant to the research as well as your experience so far of conducting independent research. Preference will also be given to candidates who are able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a range of research methods.

For further information, or informal discussion about the position, please contact one of the project supervisor:  Prof John Bessant (j.bessant at exeter.ac.uk, +44-1392-723233) Closing date for completed applications is Monday 16th May 2011.  Interviews are likely to be held between 19th and 25th May 2011in Exeter.

More info at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=788