PhD in Technology Development and Adoption for Zero-emissions in Inland Shipping

We are looking for a PhD candidate to conduct multidisciplinary research on technology development and adoption in the context of a larger research project on transition toward zero-emissions in inland shipping

Technology emergence, collaborative technology development, technology adoption, cooperative game theory, behavioral operations management, innovation management, inland shipping, sustainability, energy transition.

As the global economy grows, total emissions from the shipping industry could account for at least 5-10% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 if no actions were to be taken. With its Fit for 55 policy, the EU has raised its 2030 climate ambition, committing to cutting emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Shipping industry must take drastic action to reduce emissions.

The goal of PATH2ZERO is to achieve breakthroughs by developing sustainable business models for all parties in the inland shipping chain, thus contributing to the transition to emission-free inland shipping.

The PhD candidate will conduct research that will contribute to the scientific knowledge in technology development and adoption as well as help address the challenges in the evaluation of zero-emission strategies, effectiveness of policies, technologies and assessment of the consequences of their implementation on the inland shipping system.

Formidable investments are required to achieve zero emissions in inland shipping, while this mission is fraught with technological, market, and regulatory uncertainties. The question is which strategies, business models and interorganizational agreements are mostly likely to alleviate the investment and adoption issues stemming from such uncertainties.

Existing literature in the operations management field suggests Synchromodality as a possible solution, whereas the literature in technology and innovation management explores the effectiveness of private-private and public-private collaboration in achieving mixed objectives. Both literatures have yet to propose effective solutions for the development and adoption of sustainability-driven technologies.

To fill this knowledge gap, the PhD candidate will conduct multi-disciplinary research based on these two literature streams which is a sweet spot balancing a rational perspective (including game theoretical prediction of behavior) to create incentives with a behavioral perspective taking into account incentive misalignment and non-cooperative behavior. Potential research methodologies include theoretical modelling and quantitative analyses.

We are looking for the following attributes in the PhD Candidate:

• Willingness to conduct multidisciplinary research bringing together different theoretical lenses and empirical approaches (e.g. modelling vs. quantitative analysis)
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with industry actors and key stakeholders in the research project
• Motivation to conduct research in addressing grand challenges in general and reducing carbon emissions in particular.
• Drive for excellence in research

ERIM Requirements

- GMAT or GRE scores above the 85th percentile, not older than 5 years

- IELTS or TOEFL test scores, not older than 2 years:

IELTS: minimum overall band score 7.5; no band score lower than 6.5

            Internet-based TOEFL: minimum total score 100, no sub-score lower than 23

            Paper-based TOEFL: minimum score 600

All application documents required by ERIM can be found here: https://www.erim.eur.nl/doctoral-programme/phd-in-management/admissions/application/

We will be considering applications on an ongoing basis until April 15.

The research should result in academic publications in top journals in the field of Operations Management and Innovation Management. The work is to be presented at international conferences such as the annual meetings of INFORMS, Production and Operations Management Society, and Academy of Management.

The research is part of a larger research project on zero emissions in inland shipping in which the Rotterdam School of Management works together with Delft University of Technology, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, HZ University of Applied Sciences, and a consortium of companies, governmental and non-governmental organizations.

ERIM offers fully-funded and salaried PhD positions, which means that accepted PhD candidates become employees (promovendi) of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO) .

Erasmus University Rotterdam aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfil their full potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our successes, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EUR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

For questions regarding the PhD application and selection procedure, please check the Admissions or send us an e-mail via [email protected] .

ERIM is the research institute of management at Erasmus University Rotterdam, founded by Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) and Erasmus School of Economics (ESE), both of which excel in their research and teaching programmes. The level and international character of their research and teaching programmes has put both schools at the forefront of academic excellence. They offer a diversified portfolio of accredited teaching and research programmes, ranging from pre-experience MSc to postgraduate Masters and executive development, and from fundamental research to applied research and business support, which are renowned throughout the world. RSM is one of the few schools worldwide that holds a triple accreditation from the AMBAs, EQUIS and the AASCB, and is positioned among the top European business schools. The scientific staff of both schools plays a major role in the schools’ interaction with the international business community.

ERIM distinguishes itself by the high-level and international character of its research and has repeatedly been ranked among top 3 research institutes in Europe. ERIM’s key aims are top-quality academic research with impact both on academia and managerial practice, and the advancement of international academic careers and high-level support for both research and doctoral education. For more information about ERIM please visit [link:https://www.erim.eur.nl].