PhD Study : Leveraging resources within clusters: Understanding firm and network level development

Apply and key information  

Summary

The importance of industry clusters for economic development and competitiveness is widely acknowledged (Spencer, 2010;Lucena-Piquero and Vicente, 2019). Porter (1998) describes a cluster as a geographically proximate group of interconnected firms. Research has identified the wide-ranging value clusters can have for both SMEs and wider regional competitiveness. For example, clusters facilitate the sharing of knowledge and diffusion of best practices. Geographical concentration leads to the attraction of high quality talent, suppliers and research institutes which all leads to ease of co-ordination between firms within a value chain. Clusters also stimulate co-opetition, which can lead to innovation. Furthermore, research has found that clusters create opportunities for new products, services and company development (Lee, 2018; Vestal and Daneels, 2018).

Consequently, the development of clusters within regions is high on policy agenda across the globe. Despite widely accessible examples of successful clustering activity e.g. Silicon Valley, the development and management of clusters requires alignment with a regions particular endowments, sector strengths, demand conditions, culture, firm level strategy and policy supports. Therefore much remains to be known on how clusters can best be designed and managed within different regional contexts (Le, 2018; Fromhold-Eisebeth and Eisebeth 2018; Lucena-Piquero and Vicente, 2019).

Furthermore research is needed on how clusters are different from and can complement other collaborative networks within regions and how they can fit within the wider entrepreneurial ecosystems. Clusters are often evaluated in quantitative terms, however, less is known on how clusters develop skills and capabilities at both the firm and network level that will have long lasting impact on the behaviours and strategic direction of organisations within a cluster. This research aims to extend knowledge in this area by exploring how resources can be leveraged within clusters to develop both firm and network capability development. To achieve this, a qualitative study will be conducted where at least four clusters across the Island of Ireland will be explored.

This research will first identify how the different clusters have developed, have been designed and are managed, identifying a typology of cluster development across Ireland. Second, this research will shed new insights into the antecedents and challenges of firm and network level capability development within clusters. Heterogeneous interviews will be conducted with different entities and actors associated with the clusters (eg. Cluster SMEs, large firms, research organisations, trade associations and government bodies). Furthermore, focus groups will be held with regional stakeholders in a ‘think tank’ format to identify ways of improving cluster development and effectiveness. This research has support of Invest Northern Ireland, who are currently dedicating resources to develop clustering activity within Northern Ireland. Furthermore, existing networks exist with clusters in the Republic of Ireland across Europe which identifies the potential for a cross country comparison study.

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
  • A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

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.

  • Masters at 65%
  • Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
9, 10, 19 March 2020

Preferred student start date
14 September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Kristel Miller

Other supervisors