We are seeking applicants to work on an interdisciplinary collaborative project exploring the Sharing Economy in Norwich. This research will be undertaken in partnership with The Norwich Good Economy Commission (NGEC), Norwich City Council, Pro Bono Economics and Future Projects. Increasing recognition that the economy is not working in the interests of many people in society has prompted interest in concept of the sharing economy as one possible alternative approach. However, definitions of the sharing economy are contested and overlap with related concepts (e.g. collaborative consumption, peer-to-peer economy) and encompass a range of different business models Advocates of a sharing economy highlight its ability to make use of under-utilized resources and inclusiveness, but it has also been seen as part of the evolution and continuation of a capitalist economy and platforms supporting the sharing economy are linked to precarious work. This studentship will critically explore these tensions whilst pioneering new approaches for valuing and mapping the sharing economy.
Project aims and objectives
The PhD studentship is intended to provide a greater understanding of the sharing economy in Norwich and has four key objectives:
1. Critically reviewing literature and research on how the sharing economy is conceptualised, measured and understood - focussing particularly on city regions. The review will draw on academic literature as well as policy related or grey literature.
2. Mapping of the existing sharing economy activity, both formalised and non-formalised.
3. Fieldwork to explore the value created by sharing economy organisations. This work will be methodologically innovative in attempting to capture the wider value created by a sharing economy (e.g. wellbeing, community cohesion, ecological etc).
4. Insights into the barriers which are preventing the further development of the sharing economy and proposals for how these might be overcome.
Training Opportunities
A comprehensive package of training will be agreed in consultation with the supervisors. Elements of training will be provided by the supervisors, University of East Anglia and by other providers.
Applicants:
Essential:
• Ability to work independently and manage a research project
• Good undergraduate degree in relevant discipline or equivalent
• Skills to design and carry out independent research and/or willingness to develop them
Desirable:
• Awareness and interest in local economic region and sharing economy
• Experience of working with diverse stakeholder groups
Studentship Details:
• This studentship may be taken as either a 1+3 year award (a one-year MSc followed by a three-year PhD), a +3 award (a three-year PhD)
• It may be taken full-time or part-time
• The studentship award covers your university fees, and provides you with a stipend of £15,285 per year. You will also be able to apply for small amounts of additional funding via the SeNSS Research Training Support Grant.
Residential eligibility
• To be eligible for a full award you must be a Home or International student who satisfies the criteria below:
To be a home student, you must meet the following criteria:
• Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above, you are classed as an international student.
How to apply for this studentship
In order to be considered for this SeNSS studentship, you must first apply for a place to study University of East Anglia, noting that you are applying for the collaborative studentship. Please go to University of East Anglia, How to apply for a PhD for information on how to make your application.
You will then need to make a separate application to SeNSS for this collaborative studentship. Please read the SeNSS Collaborative Studentship Application Guidance Notes before completing our online application form. The Guidance Notes are available at the bottom of the following webpage: Applying for a SeNSS collaborative studentship
Starting date: On or about 1 October 2021.
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