Doctoral student in Transformative innovation – with focus on introganisational business models for sustainable development - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Transformative innovation

The subject of transformative innovation aims to understand, explain and improve operations with a focus on the development and adaptation of new and existing solutions (eg systems, goods and/or services) as well as new or changed processes (eg technical, organizational and business) to create value for individuals, groups, companies and other organizations as well as society. The research addresses human, organizational, process and technical aspects such as user-centered design, technology and business development, development methodology, integration and collaboration, industrialization and sustainable development.

Background and research environment

In order to meet climate, biodiversity and other sustainability goals, there must be a rapid development and adjustment in the business sector over the next 5-10 years, and there must be a policy that promotes this. This means changes in consumption and production, increased resource efficiency and circularity, as well as new industry links, value chains and business models. In the newly formed research center Sparbanken Skåne's Center for Sustainable Entrprising (SSCEN), we will build knowledge and deal with these challenges. The advertised doctoral student position is financed within the framework of the SSCEN. You will be part of an interdisciplinary research environment consisting of other doctoral students, postdocs and senior researchers from the School of Economics and Faculty of enginering at Lund University. You are expected to actively contribute to research in the interdisciplinary sub-areas both in collaboration with others and individually.

Project description

Today's companies work within supply chains and networks to ensure resources, be competitive and dynamic. Some researchers believe that today's competition does not take place between companies but between supply chains. In business development, however, a lot happens within the established company boundaries, not least when it comes to sustainable development. The concept of business models and the various models and tools, such as Business model canvas, are primarely focused on the individual organization. A recent study on sustainable business development clarified the individual perspective and the fact that business development on the inter-organizational level was non-existent. The companies described their various investments, but they were all within the boundaries of their own company and there was a lack of strategic consensus in the supply chain. New forms of collaboration are necessary to accelerate the transition to sustainable development, a key to this is cooperation and new forms of this, where the business model in the future must be more interorganizational to enable both economic, environmental and social sustainability. 

This doctoral project aims to study and contribute to new knowledge about inter-organizational business models and how these can be designed across today's organizational boundaries in order to accelerate the transition to sustainable development. The project is carried out within the framework of the newly established center: Sparbanken Skåne's Center for Sustainable Enterprising at Lund Universit

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 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, of relevance to the subject areas, 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 about business models.
• Good knowledge about supply chain management.
• Good knowledge about 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:

• Oral and written proficiency in Swedish, since parts of the empirical work will be done where Swedish is the dominating language.
• Knowledge in research methods.
• Workrelated experiences related to the area of the project description.  

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 be accompanied by a Research Plan comprising a maximum of 5 pages, containing a proposal for the design and implementation of a research project within the above project description. 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.).

You are also asked to answer the selection questions.