An analysis of investment decisions in innovation to achieve food waste reduction

Innovation is a word that seems to be all around us. Firms care about innovation and their ability to innovate, and their future frequently depends on it. Yet despite its vital contribution to firms and the economy, innovation in the food industry has received little attention. A PhD scholarship is now available in the area of Innovation Management. This proposed research is concerned with one of the most pressing issues in the food industry, which is the food waste reduction through product packaging innovation.

Many so called ‘Green consumers’ consider food packaging to be ‘wasteful’ and ‘unnecessary’. Yet, innovative packaging not only makes an important contribute to market success, but also can be an effective way of preventing food waste. It has been revealed that in developing countries, where far less packaging is used, between 30 and 50% of food is wasted before even reaching the consumers, compared to the 2 – 3% in western countries where more packaging is utilised.

There would appear to be a trade-off between level of investment in product packaging innovation and levels of food waste. This research will attempt to offer practical and empirical evidence to firms and policy makers about levels of investment in innovation and how firms and industries may be able to achieve reductions in food waste. In particular, this research project will seek to 1) examine the expenditure of companies on packaging and packaging innovation; 2) explore all areas of food waste in the supply chain including disposal and loss of profit from unsold, discarded products; 3) examine how product packaging innovation can contribute to a reduction in food waste; 4) model and analyse the dynamics of food waste and firm profit in relation to the introduction of packaging innovation.

The research has the potential to develop innovative insights providing practical guidance for what is increasingly acknowledged as an area of ‘business and social challenge’. The result of the project is expected to make social and economic impact in the community at regional and national/international level.

Applications should include:
[Please note to follow this guide to apply for this bursary award – do not send an online application for a PhD]

• a full CV including personal details, qualifications, educational history and, where applicable, any employment or other experience relevant to the application
• contact details for TWO referees able to comment on your academic performance
• a statement of 1,000 (words) outlining the main features of a research design you would propose to meet the stated objectives, identifying the challenges this project might present and discussing how the work will build on or challenge existing research in the above field.

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted on Thursday 14 May 2015

Start date for the studentship: 1 October 2015.

Applications should be sent to: Lauren Payne, Postgraduate Centre, University of Portsmouth, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3DE (applications can be submitted electronically via: [Email Address Removed] and cc to [Email Address Removed])