Exploring how behavioural insights and entrepreneurship can move the dial for climate action and green growth in Northern Ireland

Green Growth is deemed as being imperative to foster a sustainable future for all. Green growth refers to achieving economic growth which is environmentally sustainable (Mandle et al. 2019).  The OECD (2023) identifies that green growth relies upon “fostering economic growth and development, while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which our well-being relies”. To achieve green growth, there is a need for everyone to undertake climate actions. Climate action refers to efforts taken to combat climate change and its impacts. Reaching net zero requires a group effort – globally, locally, at a business level and at an individual level. These actions can include, simple behavioural changes which everyone can enact, community-led approaches, encouraging firms to engage in eco-innovation and in turn creating a demand for more green jobs (and green skills), and encouraging (and supporting) more green entrepreneurship. Green entrepreneurship and eco-innovation can be hugely profitable, alongside helping to achieve net zero goals. It has been suggested that green activities could generate $10.3 trillion to the Global GDP by 2050 (Oxford Economics, 2022). Furthermore, the International Labour Organisation identifies that moving to a greener economy could create 24 million new jobs by 2030 (Invest NI, 2023).

The overall aim of this PhD scholarship is to explore how behavioural insights, green entrepreneurship and eco-innovation can help Northern Ireland to achieve their goals regarding Green Growth. The topic will be shaped by the successful PhD candidate and should focus on a more narrow topic within one or more of the domains of behavioural insights, green entrepreneurship or eco-innovation. This PhD may also explore aspects which are focused on green skills and green jobs.

This PhD is open to explore concepts from an individual (including entrepreneur), business, community or policy perspective. The research will be set in a Northern Ireland context, however, we would welcome proposals which also draw on insights and best practices from other regions and countries which might inform useful insights for Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Context

Northern Ireland has developed a draft Green Growth Strategy, which has an ambitious vision focused on balancing the climate, environment and the economy. This strategy also considers the wider environment and green jobs. One of the key commitments of the Strategy is to develop Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan.  The Climate Action Plan will set out how we intend to achieve the carbon budget and the overall emissions reduction targets as stated in the Climate Change (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Act). The Climate Change (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Act) has set targets to achieve at least 100% reduction in net zero emissions by 2050. The farming sector in Northern Ireland is suggested to account for nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, compared to only 10% across the UK (Committee on Climate Change, 2019). Other targets set for 2030 include at least 80% of electricity consumption from renewable sources and 70% of waste is recycled (DAERA, 2023).

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living