PhD Study : The Impact of Public Support Programmes on Innovation Capability Development in Small Agri-Food Enterprises

Summary

The rural, agri-food sector is traditionally known to be a low-tech sector displaying low levels of R&D investment and innovation (Baregheh et al., 2016; Lambrecht et al., 2015). Within this context, it has been argued that business support networks and programmes, involving government support agencies and third level institutions, are critical to successful and sustainable rural development (Nettle et al., 2018; Bourne et al., 2017).

The institutional arrangements supporting innovation in agriculture has been highlighted as an area worthy of further research (McKitterick et al., 2016; 2019;Nettle et al., 2013). However, with the exception of a handful of studies (e.g. Alonso and Bressan, 2014; McKitterick et al., 2016), there has been limited research into business support institutions’ influence on the innovation capabilities of small food firms.

More generally across sectors, limited research has explored the impact of support mechanisms on owner-manager attitudes towards innovation (Chapman and Hewitt-Dundas, 2018). Furthermore, evaluations of business support have tended not take into account the multiplier effects and longer-term impact of public support initiatives, and ‘softer’ aspects around processes and learning, but rather have focused on ‘hard’ outcomes such as job creation (Patton et al., 2009).  Therefore, little is known about how engagement with business support programmes shapes small firm entrepreneurial behaviours, attitudes and innovation.

This PhD will explore the influence public support has on small agri-food firm innovation attitudes, capabilities and behaviours. To achieve this, it will utilise the lenses of dynamic managerial capabilities, behavioural additionality and social network analysis. A qualitative, longitudinal methodology and multiple case study approach will be adopted over an 18 month period. Four selected support programmes will form the cases and be representative of key areas of the Northern Ireland Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS).  Within each of these selected programmes the data collection process will involve a number of methods employed at various stages, including documentary evidence, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with business support and small agri-food businesses.

This research will advance theory on the micro foundations of innovation capability development for small agri-food firms and will have practical and policy implications for public support programmes, business advisors and small agri-food firms.

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

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%

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