PhD Study : Modelling Critical Success Factors to underpin a Smart City Economy

Summary

The prevalence of infrastructure investment as a catalyst for socio-economic development has been well documented. It can be influential both in the short-term through job creation, as well in the medium to long-term through wider benefits and externalities. Infrastructure investment is thus an essential pillar to a vibrant and functioning society. However, globally physical infrastructure of developed economies has been subjected to significant and systemic underinvestment.

To bridge this gap in demand, there is greater appetite for augmented private-sector involvement in public-services and infrastructure provision at city level. It is argued that developing and investing in infrastructure at a city level will broaden prosperity of communities throughout the region, ergo the national economy. As such city legislators are responsible for determining the infrastructure needs of their city.

Determining the strategic infrastructure needs requires city legislators to consider and assess the future needs of society and to maximise from these investments by delivering benefits, opportunities and to contribute to the growth of the economy. Delivering benefits, opportunities and growth requires consideration of diverse range of individual, business and local community needs. In considering the infrastructure needs of cities, the UK Smart Cities agenda can be utilised to inform infrastructure decision-making through the collection and analysis of data. Under the Smart Cities agenda, the data is then shared by key stakeholders. It is imperative that city legislators work in partnership with the key stakeholders to ensure that cities have the right skills to deliver and sustain a smart city economy.

Ensuring the right skills base requires city legislators to collaborate with universities, colleges and training organisations so as to be involved in developing the skills needs to sustain a smart city economy. Investing in infrastructure that delivers on a smart city economy creates a vibrant, diverse and sustainable economy that will create growth and prosperity.

This PhD proposal aims to: Model the critical success factors of a smart city economy, premised on the partnership between city legislators and regional universities.

The objectives of the proposal seek to:

1. Ascertain the drivers and barriers of a smart city skills based economy

2. Understanding the needs of vibrant, diverse and sustainable regional economy

3.Develop conceptual model for a successful city legislator and university partnership that delivers on regional growth and prosperity.

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.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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