AdresseThe Public Governance Institute conducts research into different aspects of public governance from a public administration and political science perspective.
The selected candidate will be part of the SUNSET Doctoral Network built around a community of leading scholars and 10 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) delivering insights into how universities and their host cities can collaborate and interact to achieve the digitalization and sustainability goals set out by current European and global policy agendas. The network is purposefully international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary. It consists of 6 academic and 16 non-academic partners in 5 European countries (Belgium – The Netherlands – Finland – Norway – Estonia). SUNSET emphasizes cooperative research and includes international mobility and intersectoral secondments to maximize the career potential of all DCs.
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Project
This PhD project will focus on the potential for evidence-based decision-making in urban innovation ecosystems. The objectives are to (1) study how the involvement of both academic stakeholders (higher education institutions, HEIs) and non-academic stakeholders (public sector organizations, companies, civil society, and citizens – including vulnerable or marginalized population groups) in urban innovation ecosystems strengthens the cities’ transformative capacity; (2) assess the influence of close collaboration between HEI’s and cities on the capacity of local policy makers for evidence-based policy making and implementation; (3) test the hypothesis that collaboration with HEI’s not only facilitates the exchange of scientific knowledge in an urban innovation ecosystem, but also increases cities’ capacity to integrate co-creation processes with non-academic stakeholders in urban decision making.
A successful project will result in a mapping of different types of urban collaborations regarding initiatives on urban sustainability, identification of challenges and barriers related to these collaborations as perceived by different stakeholders, and a deeper understanding of which factors in collaboration between HEIs and cities affect cities’ transformative capacity.
Planned secondments: University of Tartu, Estonia (Fall 2026): Visiting fellowship at the Institute of Social Sciences; and Leuven2030 (Fall 2025): Investigating the importance of scientific evidence in the discussions and sustainability initiatives in the Leuven urban area, through participant observation in the activities of Leuven 2030 Urban Lab, and through the follow-up of the myriad ‘Breakthrough projects’ of Leuven2030.
Profile
You have completed a Master’s degree in public governance, public policies, political science, sociology, economics, human geography, or a related social science field, preferably acquired recently, or possess corresponding qualifications that could provide a basis for successfully completing a doctorate. If you finish your master’s degree in the spring of 2024, you are also welcome to apply.
You have obtained at least a distinction (equivalent of ‘cum laude’ in the Belgian system) during your studies or have distinguished yourself with high-quality scientific publications or design-oriented achievements.
You have a keen interest in urban studies, public governance, public policies and urban innovation ecosystems.
You have solid and documented abilities for conducting qualitative and quantitative research in social sciences.
You are ambitious, well organized, a team player, and have excellent communication skills.
You are proficient in English, both written and verbal.
You did not reside or carry out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account.
You have the ability to work independently and have a critical mindset.
You are a pro-active and motivated person, eager to participate in network-wide training events, international mobility, and public dissemination activities.
Offer
A full-time position as PhD researcher (doctoral scholarship) for one year, which, upon positive evaluation, will be extended at least to the guaranteed PhD funding for 36 months (i.e., funding from the European Commission), with a possibility of extending the duration of funding into a fourth and final year. The EU Researcher Allowances will be used to cover both the employee's as the employer's mandatory charges. More information on scholarship and benefits for KU Leuven PhD students can be found under the rubric ‘doctoral scholarship holder’ at: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information.
Starting date September 2024 (negotiable).
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Trui Steen, tel.: +32 16 32 32 76, mail: trui.steen@kuleuven.be or Mr. Gert-Jan Put, tel.: +32 16 37 20 90, mail: gertjan.put@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
