BCNED PhD Research
Cluster research is an academic field that contributes to debates in multiple disciplines (economic geography, industrial economics, industrial organization, strategic management, business policy, industrial policy, and economic sociology).
It is not surprising that in this interdisciplinary context there is no established definition for what a cluster is; no established methodology – how to identify clusters; no agreed theoretical framework - to underpin cluster research; and no consolidated empirical basis for comparative analysis of clusters. Among the most acute questions for cluster research are:
- What is the right level of cluster analysis and what kind of techniques are most appropriate?
- Are cluster policies a legitimate form of government intervention?
- Are today's clusters a problem areas for tomorrow's growth?
- Can clusters learn?
- How to measure success of clusters?
Business Networks is another scientific field that overlaps with cluster research. Business networks are interconnected business actors, resource flows, and transaction events. These connections may take place in a regional or a global context, indicating some regional or global dynamics.
Topics for Research
The research group on Business Clusters, Networks, and Economic Development invites research proposals that attempt to conduct empirical and theoretical investigations on any topic related to business networks and business clusters. Familiarity with cluster and/or network methodology is essential. Potential candidates are encouraged to select a topic with a strong industry orientation in order to enable in-depth interpretation of findings. Suggested areas for research are:
• alliances and partnerships and their impact on economic development,
• inter-organizational relationships in regional or industrial context,
• supply chain networks and supply relationships,
• alliance networks and knowledge transfer,
• diffusion of innovation in institutional environment,
• international business networks and globalization of resources and capabilities,
• business collaboration.
Applications
Potential candidates are invited to prepare a research proposal and make a preliminary self-evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses. Candidates should address their
- Strengths and familiarity with specific methods and analytical techniques,
- Strengths and familiarity with network and/or cluster theory, and other theoretical domains related to their research topic,
- In-depth insights and familiarity with an industry or a geographic area, which would draw the context and boundaries for a PhD research.
We encourage broad interdisciplinary investigations aiming at strong disciplinary contributions. Potential candidates are encouraged to work on a proposal following the structure:
- Proposed topic
- Introduction to the research questions and justification of the need for researching the topic
- Overview of the disciplinary focus and scope and leading theories underpinning the research
- Proposed methodology for the empirical investigation
- Time scale of the research effort
To submit a proposal please, look at the University PhD site. For further details and feedback on draft proposals you may contact Emanuela Todeva.
