This project focuses on the circular business model innovation process. While scholars have ably identified a range of circular business model archetypes, little is known of how companies select or innovate the business model(s) to implement.

The core objective of this project is to identify and form a detailed understanding of the phases to the circular business model innovation process (i.e. ideation, selection, development etc) and provide insight to the challenges and facilitators from front-end innovation to the implementation of the business model. 

The project will identify key organisational practices of circular business model innovation and aims to form explanations of how firms manage the inherent complexity and uncertainty. The research aims to explain how factors such as firm competencies, marketplace environments and product type restrictions are taken into consideration and what tools and (new) competencies are required by firms to lead to effective outcomes.

Keywords

Corporate sustainability, circular economy, innovation, business models, organizational studies, qualitative methods.

Successful candidates must have a relevant Masters degree with a background in management.and organizational studies. Candidates with educational and/or practical backgrounds in sustainable business, and/or innovation are particularly welcome to apply. Candidates with experience with qualitative methods are also preferred.

Explicit interest in and motivation for scientific research in corporate sustainability/ innovation for sustainability.

Excellent communication skills (written and word) in English.

The PhD position is for an intial period of 3 years extended to 4 years upon meeting ERIM requirements.

Applicants must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers at the time of recruitment. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which formally entitles them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged.

International Mobility condition: At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

Conditions of employment

Our PhD projects are fully funded and salaried positions, meaning that appointed PhD candidates are employees (promovendi) of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). The starting monthly salary is € 2,709 (all mentioned figures are gross and fixed amounts) plus a family allowance (if applicable); the PhD student will also benefit from a generous research allowance. EUR has attractive employment conditions, which include a holiday allowance of 8 per cent, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3 per cent, and a generous number of vacation days.