Sustainable entrepreneurial thinking in SMEs (SETS)

This 12 month Master's by Research project in collaboration with Envirofly aims to develop University-Business Collaborations within developing economies to address key environmental challenges.

The population of Sub-Sharan Africa (SSA) is approximately 1.2 billion people, with an annual increase of around 2-4% per year. With an increasing population, some of the key challenges include energy security, waste management, land degradation, deforestation and air pollution (from transportation and increased industrialization). Addressing the impact of these challenges is becoming a priority in various developing economies.

Eco-innovation in the private sector, especially within SMEs who are key economic drivers, has the capacity to deliver the tools needed for Green Growth and sustainable development towards a Net Zero economy. However, many SMEs lack the required knowledge or resources needed to make this happen. At the same time Universities are seen as the central pillar in supporting eco-innovation within geographical regions, through knowledge sharing and capacity building activities. Yet University-Business Collaborations (UBCs) remains under-developed within the African context and there is a need to develop capacity within this area.

This is an exciting research opportunity for applicants with a management or business science undergraduate degree. Wider science/engineering backgrounds would also be considered with appropriate experience. Candidates should have experience in business communication and a passion for sustainable development, especially in the context of developing economies such as Africa.

Deadline for applications: Midnight Sunday 5th June 2022

Start date: July 2022

Eligibility

Before applying for this opportunity please download and read the Graduate Researcher Application Criteria

Non-UK/home candidates: For information on home/international fee eligibility please see the university fee status webpage. From 1st January 2021, EU students are required to have a visa to enter into the UK as well as other international categories. Please check these details to see if you would need to apply for a visa and indicate this on your criteria document.

Enterprise & academic partners

This project will be supervised by:

• Dr Joanne Larty, Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Strategy
• Professor Kirk Semple, Professor in Environmental Microbiology
• Dr Akan Odon, Director of Envirofly

Envirofly is a consultancy which builds capacity and knowledge transfer to support strategic and sustainable solutions. Envirofly has a strong international presence, primarily across African nations, and gladly positions itself as a bridge between growing markets and African institutions.

This project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is subject to funding confirmation.

How to apply

To apply for this opportunity please download and complete the below documents:

• Graduate Researcher Application Criteria
• Application Form
• Graduate Researcher Reference– two academic references are required

Additionally, please provide a copy of the following evidentiary documents:

• CV
• Degree transcripts
• English language certificate(s) if English is not your first language

Please email [Email Address Removed] if you have any questions about the required documents.