This research will explore the contemporary fields of social innovation and entrepreneurship where entrepreneurial efforts deliver positive impacts on society. This research will focus on the UK/Ireland and China to explore the nuances and profile of social entrepreneurship and innovation internationally and the moderating role of culture. Social enterprises delivering social innovation are emerging as powerful agents of change, supported by, and supplementing, policy and social challenges. This research will explore how they came to be from an entrepreurship perspective and the role of entrepreneur and innovation to deliver impact. It will also explore any trends, or nuances, internationally. This research will also explore how cultural variables affect the growth and development of these enterprises through the lens of the social entrepreneurs.
The Chinese social enterprise ecosystem and entrepreneurship is a relatively new phenomenon witnessed in predominantly rural areas. However, in the UK and Ireland this cosystem is more developed. Comparatively both countries are culturally different but the desire to deliver social change through social entrepreneurship and innovation remains a common goal. Both regions require exploration and understanding to fully understand this increasingly important sector and effort. This study will seek to engage social entrepreneurs, investigate social enterprise development and innovative efforts including challenges and motivations and identify trends in terms of learnings how culture may directly affect activities and developments. This research will not only provide a better understanding of these dynamic ecosystems but also contribute valuable insights to support policies, benefitting the achievement of SDGs/ESGs and shaping how global practices can inform social entrepreneurship and innovation. In essence, this research will be a deep dive into the heart of businesses with a social conscience, exploring how they shape our world for the better. Finding examples of resiliency, creativity, and positive change is the goal in order to help create a future that is more sustainable and equitable. This proposal aims to build on an existing Masters of Research project and Shared Island funded project on social enterprises in Ireland. The key objectives of this research will be to examine social innovation and social entrepreneurship and examine the formation of these enterprises in the UK/Ireland and China including the historical, cultural and economic influences. A further objective will be to explore how specific needs and challenges faced by social entrepreneurs internationally, focusing on aspects such as funding, market opportunities and regulatory frameworks.
In summary, this research aims to advance the state of the art by offering a comprehensive and cross-cultural perspective on social innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, ultimately contributing valuable insights to the existing knowledge base in this dynamic and evolving field.
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
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.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
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.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (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.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Submission deadline
Monday 26 February 2024
04:00PM
Interview Date
March 2024
Preferred student start date
16 September 2024
Professor Laura Bradley-Mccauley
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