Research on the internationalisation of production has focused on commercial enterprises, largely transnational corporations. Little attention has been devoted to understanding the rise of international production in the non-commercial sphere. Yet, non-commercial activity occurring within communities is often seen by commercial enterprises as a source of creativity and innovation to be harnessed to supplement their research and development activities. For instance, an increasing number of corporations are tapping into user and open source communities. With the use of digital technologies, communities of various sorts are developing the scope to produce knowledge intensive goods and services on a significant scale. Indeed, technology is allowing communities to produce on a truly international basis.
Although communities have been recognised as providers of the social infrastructure that underpins commercial market activity, there has been scant effort devoted to understanding the activities of communities in facilitating non-commercial international production. This research project seeks to address this knowledge gap by tracing and explaining the rise of international production through community-based organisation. The purpose of this research is to go beyond existing understandings of communities in international contexts by focusing on their productive capacities and potential. In particular, the research concentrates on communities that employ digital tools and internet platforms to produce and distribute knowledge products and service including media content. Case studies of such community production will be developed through the collection of data from relevant internet sites, related sources and community members. Drawing on the literature on transnational and virtual communities together with the research on community-based production this project will develop an appreciation of why and how international production is occurring through communities. The explanatory value of traditional theories of international production will be evaluated. Analysis of the case studies will not only offer a deeper appreciation of community-based international production but also provide lessons for commercial international businesses.
Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to Professor Joanne Roberts on 0191 243 7528 (joanne.roberts@northumbria.ac.uk) or Danielle Grenade on 0191 227 4941 (danielle.grenade@northumbria.ac.uk)
Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (in a relevant subject) from a British higher education institution, or equivalent. Students who are not UK/EU residents are eligible to apply, provided they hold the relevant academic qualifications, together with an IELTS score of at least 7.0.
You should apply using the University’s Research Application Form, available via the link on this page. Applications should be submitted to:
Danielle Grenade (Assistant Administrator)
Academic Support Office
Newcastle Business School
Northumbria University
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE1 8ST
Email: nb.nbs-research-admin@northumbria.ac.uk
Funding Notes:
The studentship includes a full stipend, paid for three years at RCUK rates (figure for 2012/13 is 13,590 pa). The studentship is offered on the basis that additional funding is secured to cover the programme fees for 3 years, usually from an external organisation.
References:
Roberts, J. (2010), 'Community and International Business Futures: Insights from Software Production', Futures, Vol. 42, No.9, pp. 926-936.
Roberts, J. (2010), ‘Communities of Management Knowledge Diffusion’, Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation, Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 111-132.
Roberts, J. (2009), ‘The Global Knowledge Economy in Question’, Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 285-303.
Amin, A. and Roberts, J. (2008), ‘The Resurgence of Community in Economic Thought and Practice’ in Amin, A. and Roberts, J. (eds) Community, Economic Creativity and Organization, Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 11-34.
Amin, A. and Roberts, J. (2008), ‘Knowing in Action: Beyond Communities of Practice’, Research Policy, Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 353-369.
Roberts, J. (2006), ‘Limits to Communities of Practice’, Journal of Management Studies, Vol. 43, No. 3, May, pp. 623-639.