Advancing Inclusive Economic and Social Development through Community Wealth Building: A Comparative Study of Local, National and International Practices

Summary

Community Wealth Building (CWB) is increasingly recognised as a transformative approach to sustainable economic development, retaining wealth within communities through local ownership, procurement, anchor institutions, cooperative development and social value creation (Dubb, 2016; Theodos et al., 2021; QCAP, 2022; DTNI, 2022; Lacey-Barnacle et al., 2023).

International good practice has emerged across Scotland, Europe and the USA, and Northern Ireland now has two live government supported CWB pilots, in Larne and the Northwest, offering valuable but, as yet under-examined, learning and policy opportunities.

Despite strong policy interest in inclusive growth, regional imbalance and economic development remaining persistent challenges in Northern Ireland, there is limited understanding of how international CWB models can be adapted to place-based economic, social and political contexts.

This PhD will undertake a comparative international exploration of CWB, examining successful and less successful examples, across the globe, including where CWB exists without strategic policy support to understand the mechanisms through which governance, anchor institutions, procurement, community ownership, cooperatives and local investment drive economic resilience.

Using a qualitative, multi-stakeholder methodology such as semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis of policy, media and anchor institution strategies, the research will identify the institutional, cultural and governance factors shaping CWB success or failure across contexts, and generate evidence-based recommendations for advancing CWB in Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland.

The project aligns directly with NI Executive priorities around inclusive growth, regional balance, social value and community empowerment, as reflected in the Programme for Government, Department for Economy's Economic Vision, the Social Enterprise Action Plan and innovation in procurement.

It will make a significant contribution to both theory and practice, informing regional economic development policy and providing practical guidance for governments, anchor institutions, social enterprises and community organisations.

Delivered in collaboration with the Department for the Economy, the PhD offers a unique opportunity to co-produce policy-relevant evidence at the intersection of research and practice, strengthening the academic quality and real-world impact of the findings.

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 demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Research proposal of no more than 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.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster

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:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD Scholarships are available for this project and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

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 i.e. September 2027.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.