PhD Study : Digital Entrepreneurship and University Technology Transfer Business Models

Summary

Digital technology has become a central feature of business and society, playing a key role in economic development and facilitating organisational survival and adaptation. As well as allowing existing organisations to adapt and pivot their business models, digital technologies also have a significant impact on how new business ventures and digital start-ups are created. For such enterprises novel digital technology is a vital component of their business models and operations (Elia et al., 2020) with implications for Business Model value creation and value capture (Nambisan et al., 2019).

Digital technologies are also enablers of entrepreneurial activity in various forms including the development of digital services, products, platforms and other internet-enabled service innovations. Whilst digital technologies can serve as an active ingredient in fuelling innovative initiatives (Lusch and Nambisan, 2015), there is limited empirical research on the real impact of digital technologies and collaboration on the entrepreneurial process and related Business Model development. For example, a significant gap exists in the definition of entrepreneurship in the digital age since research has yet to contextualize it within the digital economy (Sussan and Acs, 2017).

More specifically, in the university technology transfer contexts (e.g. innovation centres and incubators) we are yet to fully understand the role of digitization in how it transforms the technology transfer process Business Models. It is well known that one of the hallmarks of successful university technology incubators is the ability to leverage critical resources in their regional ecosystems. That being said, less is known about how digital technologies impact university innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems or how they impact the technology transfer process of University Spin Offs (USOs)?

Based on this synopsis, the aim of this study is to explore how digital technology enables technology transfer firms and networks to achieve effective Business Model value creation, co-creation and value capture. There is a need to probe the effects of digital technology on university technology transfer activity at both the firm and network levels of analysis.

The research methodology is likely to adopt an interpretivist and qualitative approach to probe the ‘how’ and ‘why’ type research questions related to the aim of the study.

All three of the supervisors have excellent experience in supervising PhD’s to successful completion and have extensive networks of contacts relating to all areas of the study and publish regularly in this field, thus minimising risks and helping to ensure the PhD will be completed on time.

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