Doctoral student in Transformative Innovation – with the focus on digial solutions, product development and circular business models - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Transformative Innovation

Transformative Innovation is a subject that aims to understand, explain and improve activities that focus on the development and adaptation of new and existing solutions (e.g. systems, goods and/or services) as well as new or changed processes (e.g. technical, organisational and business-related) in order to create value for individuals, groups, companies and other organisations, as well as society as a whole. The research addresses human, organisational, process-related and technical aspects such as user-centred design, technology and business development, development methodology, integration and collaboration, industrialisation and sustainable development.

Background

Today’s problem on the environment and climate change are closely related to products, which is also pointed out in Agenda 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDG), under goal 12. Despite many goals of breaking the link between waste volumes and and growth, today’s society is still charactherized by a linear ecenomy, a “wear and tear” culture, which has led to a negetive impact on the climate, eco systems and human helath. An alternative linear economy is a more circular ecenomy where the extraction of material and energy resources is reduced, and the resources are instead circulated in a technical cycles, which in turn reduces the amount of waste. A circular economy is based on a smarter economy, increased utilization of products and longer lifespans, where sharing, reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling are key components. Sustainable products are therefore dependent on the business model being sustainble, and circular business models have been pointed out as a promising solution for a more circular economy. 

Project description 

In recent decades, we have seen a rapid development of digitalization e.g. development of Internet of Things (IoT) and Atrificial Intelligence (AI), and ecompanies have developed increasingly smarter and more connected products, which in turn has enabled large amounts of data to be generated and collected. Unfortunately, this data is not used to a greater extent today for the development of more sustainable products and circular business models, partly due to legal aspects but also due to lack of competence. Correctly used, this data would open up opportunities to analyze and understand  product life cycles in a whole new way, and thereby support the development of more sustainable products and circular business models. For example, user data could be used for better understanding uasage petterns and to increase the utilization rate or the product, and plannig for upgrades and maintenance, and inform where the product wants to be handed in, and disassembled when it reaches its end-of-life. 

This doctoral project aims to identify how digitalisation, such as Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, product development and circular business models can be combined for a circular economy and sustainable society. The project is carried out within the framwork of the national graduate school Management and IT (MIT).  

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Transformative Innovation if the applicant has: 

• at least 50 credits with relevance to the subject for the third-cycle programme including at least 25 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or 
• a degree of Master of Science in Engineering, Degree of Master of Science in Business and Economics, an artistic higher education diploma, Masters’ degree (120 credits) or Master’s degree (60 credits) of relevance to the subject areas.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good knowledge in business models.
• Good knowledge in sustainable development.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish as the project is based on a close collaboration with Swedish corporations.
• Knowledge about digitalizaion e.g. IoT and AI

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).