PhD Studentship: Co-creation and the Adoption of Innovation in Mission-Oriented Ecosystems

The OU's Department of Strategy and Marketing is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship for a project entitled: Co-creation and the Adoption of Innovation in Mission-Oriented Ecosystems.

This studentship is embedded within SOLILA, a 54-month Horizon Europe project involving 39 partners and supporting the EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’. SOLILA addresses the deterioration of European soils and asks a practical question: how can effective soil-health solutions move from development into sustained use?

The project will investigate how innovation strategies, ecosystem structures and policy interventions shape the adoption, scaling and long-term sustainability of innovations developed in mission-oriented settings.

For further information, please read the full project description. 

Funding information

A 3-year studentship is available which will be allocated on the basis of eligibility and merit. The studentship covers all course fees and provides and annual stipend of at least £21,805 per annum. Funded students will also be provided with a research training and support grant of up to £6,000.

Eligibility

• Applicants should hold a masters degree in a relevant subject area. Applicants who do not hold a masters may be considered for entry, provided they have sufficient prior research experience and hold at least an upper second class honours degree. Degrees from outside the UK will be assessed according to the UK ENIC framework.
• Applicants who are not UK or Irish citizens must demonstrate their English language competency (see International research student applications for further details)

How to apply

Applications close at midday on 25 November 2026 with interviews taking place 10 December 2026. To apply you must complete the online application form, as part of which you will be asked to upload:

• A cover letter outlining why you wish to apply and why you are suited to this project
• A CV/resume outlining your most relevant qualifications, professional experience, and any prior research experience
• Copies of your degree certificates (including translations if not in English)
• For applicants who are not British/Irish, proof of English language competency.

Generative AI: The use of generative AI in producing any part of your application is strictly prohibited. 

For academic queries, please contact the project lead named in the detailed project description. For administrative queries or support, please contact [email protected] or telephone +44 (0) 1908 653806 (Mon-Fri 09:00 – 16:30)