PhD Study : ​Developing Open Innovation and Knowledge Transfer in Organisation

Summary

Open Innovation has transformed organisations approaches to Innovation Management and offers increased innovation possibilities for organisations often with limited resources (either large or small in size and from all sectors). Previously innovation was viewed as R&D. However, Open Innovation is a much more inclusive approach. There are two facets to open innovation involving knowledge Transfer.  One is the “outside in” aspect, where external knowledge is transferred or brought into the firm’s own innovation process.  The second is the “inside out” facet, where under-utilized knowledge in the firm are allowed to go outside to be incorporated into others’ innovation processes in alliances or networks (Chesbrough, 2006).

First, much more research is needed on how organisations search for new knowledge from outside the firm  and how to evaluate its usefulness to increase innovativeness.

Second, there is a need for further research on what knowledge should an organisation share with potential partners outside the organisation (e.g. with networks or alliances).

Third, the type of knowledge must be considered in relation to its transferability (e.g. explicit and tacit knowledge).

Fourth, how can organisations develop capabilities to develop effective Open Innovation and Knowledge Transfer within the firm?

From a practical perspective the proposed research will provide guidance for organisations to apply practical outcomes to increase the effectiveness of their innovation management. There will also be policy outcomes where ethe research will provide guidance for Government support programmes to better target Open Innovation and Knowledge Transfer support programmes and resources for organisations. Moreover, there is an opportunity for the successful candidate to consider the role of digital environment when exploring the study given that it has become a central feature of business and society, playing a key role in Open Innovation and knowledge transfer.

Based on this synopsis, the successful PhD applicant will have the scope to shape the project to suit their specific interest (e.g. selecting types or sector of organisations, large or small), and in choosing how to build a theory and practice approach to Open Innovation and Knowledge Transfer). The research methodology is likely to adopt an interpretivist and qualitative approach to probe the ‘how’ and ‘what’ type research questions related to the aim of the study.

All of the supervisors have excellent experience in supervising PhD’s to successful completion in this area of study and have extensive networks of contacts relating to all areas of the study and publish regularly in this field, thus minimising risks and helping to ensure the PhD study will be successfully completed on time.

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%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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. Further information on cost of living