From Policy to Practice: Exploring the Adoption of Digital Traceability Tools in Agri-Food SMEs

Summary

Ulster University invites applications for a funded PhD studentship as part of TRACE (Technological Revolution towards an Agri-food Circular Economy), a €5.89m cross-border project supported by the European Union’s PEACEPLUS Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Improving supply chain traceability has become a critical priority, driven by rising consumer expectations, environmental pressures, and increasing regulatory demands. In the agri-food sector, traceability is especially important due to the perishable nature of products, the complexity of global supply chains, and strict requirements around food safety, provenance, and quality. In NI and ROI, this need has been heightened by Brexit, which introduced additional regulatory and trading complexities, particularly for cross-border agri-food movements.

Digital technologies such as blockchain, IoT sensors, QR-based tracking, and integrated data platforms offer significant potential to enhance traceability, increase efficiency, and support sustainability objectives. These innovations could also help enable resilient and streamlined cross-border trade, aligning with the long-term aims of the Windsor Framework by providing trusted, data-driven assurance across complex supply chains.

Despite this potential, adoption of digital traceability technologies among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - which dominate the agri-food sector across the island - remains limited. These businesses often lack the financial resources, digital capabilities, or supply chain integration required to implement such tools. As a result, a persistent gap exists between high-level policy ambitions and practical implementation on the ground, particularly at SME level.

Adopting a multiple case study design, this PhD will assess current traceability practices, evaluate the availability, usage and suitability of digital traceability tools, and identify the key drivers, enablers, and barriers to adoption, seeking to establish the determinants for the successful adoption of digital traceability within agri-food supply chains. The study will deliver practical guidance and policy insights to advance digital traceability in supply chains.

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 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:

• Special EU Programmes Body

Cross-border project supported by the European Union’s PEACEPLUS Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £20,669 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)  is also available per annum.

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.