About the Project
In recent years, there has been increased debate amongst academics, policy makers and politicians alike about how to deal with the backlash from so-called ‘places that don’t matter’. These places suffer from economic decay, are often characterised by entrenched social exclusion and poor or precarious employment opportunities. In response, ‘place-based’ economic development interventions have become more prominent, especially in European and (sub-) national economic development policy. A key element of such ‘place-based’ policies is to encourage entrepreneurship and endogenous small firm creation via business support initiatives. Focusing upon the UK, there are distinct territorial differences in small firm birth and attrition rates across the country. Moreover, the outcomes of business support programmes are mixed, especially in less developed localities. The policy dilemma, therefore, to which this research contributes, is how can business support programmes be implemented in an inclusive way, tailored to territorial needs across the country, to improve the birth and growth rates of small firms. Specifically, the research focuses upon a ‘place-based’ UK-wide business support programme, namely the British Library’s (BL) BIPC national network. First established in 2006, the BIPC currently has a total budget of £3.7m and operates 12 centres, spread geographically across England and Scotland. Each centre provides tailored, free or low-cost access on business and IP through a range of services. Through its unique ‘open door’ approach, the BIPC provides inclusive support for beneficiaries from ‘all walks of life’ to develop, protect and commercialise their business ideas.
Academic Entry Requirements:
1+3 Programme
For the 1+3 studentships, you should have an appropriate first degree of class 2:1 or above; International qualifications will be evaluated in line with the National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) guidelines. You will be required to initially register on the MRes in Research programme.
+3 Programme
In addition to the above, for the +3 studentships you should also have a very good Master’s degree in Business, Management, Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related discipline. You will be required to complete taught modules in Research Methods during the first year.
Language requirements:
All applicants must have reached a minimum required standard of English language (IELTS 6.5 average overall and a minimum of 6.0 in each component), and, where relevant, are required to provide evidence of this. Qualifications accepted by the University include GCSE English; GCE O level English; AS Level English; A Level English Language; IELTS; Cambridge Proficiency etc. Please refer to the full list here.
Residency Entry Requirements:
Candidates for awards must have a relevant connection with the United Kingdom. A relevant connection may be established if, at the start of the course:
• The student has been ordinarily resident in the UK throughout the 3-year period preceding the date
of application for an award, and
• Has not been resident in the UK, during any part of that 3-year period wholly or mainly for the purposes of full-time education (EU students – see below) and
• Has settled status in the UK within the meaning of the Immigration Act 1971 (i.e. is not subject to any restriction on the period for which he/she may stay).
Candidates who meet all three of the above criteria may apply for a full award.
A relevant connection may be established for an EU student if the student has been resident in the UK throughout the 3-year period preceding the start of the course, even if for purposes of full-time education. EU students in this situation may apply for a full award.
EU Students who have not been ordinarily resident in the UK for the last three years may apply for a fees only award.
Non-EU students who have not been ordinarily resident in the UK for the last three years are not eligible to apply.
Method of Application:
Applicants must complete all sections of the University Postgraduate Study Application Form. Applications to be made via the University of Liverpool Apply Online, system, selecting programme of study Management Studies. In the Finance section select funding source Sponsor and insert PHD-ULMS-Liverpool BL-CASE STUDENTSHIP 2020 in the box below. Also include this as the first line of your Personal Statement.
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
Further enquiries:
If you would like to discuss the studentship further please contact Dr Benito Giordano ([Email Address Removed])
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