Entrepreneurial ecosystems in the blue economy - A cross-country comparison

We are offering a self-funded PhD position in strategy and entrepreneurship with the Brunel Business School. The project focuses on entrepreneurial ecosystems in the blue economy.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions about the project or would like to arrange an informal discussion, please reach out to Dr Carolin Decker-Lange at carolin.decker-lange@brunel.ac.uk.

Background

The blue economy, encompassing a wide range of economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coastal areas across the globe, is increasingly recognised as a key driver of sustainable development and regional economic growth.

Oceans and seas are areas of entrepreneurial opportunity, growth, industrialist and development, but they also represent vulnerable spaces that must be protected.

The blue economy comprises but is not limited to traditional industries, such as fishing, shipping, tourism and offshore oil and gas, and novel activities, such as seabed mining, blue biotechnology and renewable marine energy.

National blue growth strategies often include the establishment of entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Entrepreneurial ecosystems, comprising networks of interconnected actors, institutions, resources and policies that support the creation, growth and success of entrepreneurial ventures within a geographic area or industry, play a crucial role in fostering innovation and growth within the Blue Economy.

They include entrepreneurs, supportive infrastructure (e.g., incubators, accelerators, and mentors/advisers), financial institutions (e.g., banks, venture capital providers, business angels), educational institutions (e.g., universities), and governmental bodies (e.g., local, regional and national governments).

Blue entrepreneurial ecosystems must strike a balance between the need for economic growth and the quest for environmental and social benefits as addressed by the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

The project

This proposed PhD project at the intersection of entrepreneurship, international business and sustainable management aims to conduct a cross-country comparison of entrepreneurial ecosystems in the blue economy, exploring their characteristics, dynamics and impact on the development of sustainable ocean-based industries.

A comparative case study approach may lend itself well to the study and comparison of entrepreneurial ecosystems in multiple countries.

This will involve the identification of countries with diverse levels of economic development, geographic location and ocean-related industries and the selection of regions within these countries, focusing on areas with significant blue economy activity.

Data sources may encompass documents (e.g., media coverage, policy papers, industry reports), interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, NGOs and industry associations) and surveys to gather quantitative data on the perceptions and experiences of entrepreneurs and other relevant stakeholders.

The goal is the development of a novel conceptual framework that explains the factors influencing the development and performance of blue economy entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Eligibility

For this ambitious project, we are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious PhD candidate with a strong interest in entrepreneurship, innovation and ocean sustainability. Ideal candidates will possess:

• A strong academic background in business, economics, environmental science or a related field.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• A passion for ocean conservation, sustainable development and comparative country studies.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• International experience and cross-cultural competence are desirable.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Carolin Decker-Lange - I am a Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Brunel Business School that I joined in February 2023. Previously, I held academic positions at The Open University, UWE Bristol Business School, the University of Bremen (Germany), and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (Germany). I passed a PhD in Management and a post-doctoral lecture qualification (“Habilitation”) at Freie Universität Berlin (Germany). My interests in research and teaching are at the intersection of strategy and entrepreneurship, including corporate restructuring, interorganisational relationships, family business governance, innovation in SMEs, and entrepreneurship education. I am a Visiting Research Fellow at the German Maritime Museum – Leibniz Institute for Maritime History in Bremerhaven (Germany). This fellowship allows me to explore the Blue Economy from a multidisciplinary perspective.