DREAM+PLAN: PhD position in building resilient entrepreneurial firms for regenerative innovation

We are seeking a doctoral candidate in building resilient entrepreneurial firms for regenerative innovation in cooperation with DREAM+PLAN program.
Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences.
DREAM+PLAN is a doctoral program enabled by a consortium of European Universities, together with an ecosystem of associated partners, including SMEs, multinationals, unicorns, NGOs, civil society associations, innovation agencies, clusters and policymakers. DREAM+PLAN brings together a community of visionary changemakers, leaders, who dream big and develop tangible pathways for solving local and global climate-related challenges, all united by a mission to create a positive impact, towards a more sustainable, fair, inclusive and thriving planet for future generations.
If you are passionate about innovation, sustainability, and collaborating with global leaders, this is the perfect chance to be part of a transformative experience. We are looking for dynamic individuals to start their impactful PhD journey, contributing to projects that drive positive change.
1. General Information
Foreseen enrolment date: September 2025
Position is funded by
– COFUND, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Horizon Europe, European Union
– LUT University
– RMIT University
Research Host: LUT University
PhD awarding institutions: LUT University & RMIT University
Locations
– Primary: Kouvola, Finland
– Secondary: Melbourne, Australia
Salary: 32 600 EUR annual gross salary (2 716 EUR monthly gross salary)
Supervisors
– Marko Torkkeli, Professor, LUT University
– Adeel Tariq, Post Doctoral Researcher, LUT University
– Usha Lyer-Raniga, Professor, RMIT University
– Akvan Gajanayake, Lecturer, RMIT University
Group of discipline: Industrial Engineering and Management, Entrepreneurship
2. Research topics (only one of these projects will be funded)
Project 1: Exploring Organizational Capabilities for Resilience and Regenerative Innovation in Entrepreneurial Firms and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
– This PhD project aims to explore the organizational capabilities that underpin resilience in entrepreneurial firms and examines their role in fostering regenerative innovation. Moreover, it would be interesting to examine how these entrepreneurial firms contribute to resilience of overall entrepreneurial ecosystems through their Resilience and Regenerative Innovation capabilities. By identifying and analyzing key capabilities—such as adaptability, resource reconfiguration, dynamic capabilities, and collaborative networks—the study seeks to understand how these enable firms to respond to external challenges while simultaneously innovating in ways that promote sustainability and regeneration.
– The findings aim to provide actionable insights for enhancing entrepreneurial resilience and contributing to sustainable business practices in rapidly changing environments. We encourage command of different methodologies to provide robust and generalizable findings. Candidate should possess a strong set of skills to effectively conduct both experimental and cross-sectional research. This includes the ability to design, implement, and analyze controlled experiments to test hypotheses, as well as the capability to conduct cross-sectional studies that involve collecting and analyzing data at a single point in time from various subjects or variables.
– Supervisors: Marko Torkkeli (LUT), Adeel Tariq (LUT), Usha Lyer-Raniga (RMIT), Akvan Gajanayake (RMIT)
– Research Fields: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Organizational Capabilities
Project 2: Adaptation and Thriving in Uncertainty: Pathways to Regenerative Innovation in Entrepreneurial Firms
– This topic focuses to the mechanisms of developing resilient business models that enable the technology SMEs to maintain sustainable over time. Resilience is especially important in Technology SMEs as the operating environment is highly competitive and volatile and the resources often are more limited than in larger companies. This requires new sophisticated management capabilities and processes from the entrepreneurs and managers. This project leans on the concepts of resilient business models and Sustainable business model innovation. The sustainable growth strategies and strategic capabilities of an SME and stakeholder approach are also in the focus.
– The research question focuses for example to: How companies develop sustainable business models over time? What are the mechanisms through which sustainable business models are developed? What implications do sustainable business model development have for growth and company survival? One specific focus might be the role of digitalization in building resilience capabilities.
– This project Applies qualitative methodology. Especially longitudinal case study methodologies, where observing and analysing business model development over time would be utilized. The research aims to enhance understanding and develop the conceptual understanding of how technology SMEs can develop and maintain resilient and sustainable business. The findings will offer insights into the mechanisms of sustainable business model development and their implications for growth and long-term survival of the technology SMEs.
– Supervisors: Marko Torkkeli (LUT), Adeel Tariq (LUT), Usha Lyer-Raniga (RMIT), Akvan Gajanayake (RMIT)
– Research Fields: Regenerative Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Business Models
Project 3: Embedding Sustainability and Circularity in Innovation: Strategies and Impacts in Resilient Entrepreneurial Firms
– This project can examine the processes and strategies that resilient entrepreneurial firms employ to integrate sustainability and circularity into their regenerative innovation practices. It can explore how these firms embed regenerative principles within their business models and operations, identifying key mechanisms that support sustainable transformation. Furthermore, the study can evaluate the measurable environmental, economic, and social impacts of regenerative innovations, providing a comprehensive understanding of their contributions to sustainability. The findings aim to offer actionable insights for fostering resilient and impactful entrepreneurial ecosystems.
– Candidate should possess a strong set of skills to effectively conduct both experimental and cross-sectional research. This includes the ability to design, implement, and analyze controlled experiments to test hypotheses, as well as the capability to conduct cross-sectional studies that involve collecting and analyzing data at a single point in time from various subjects or variables.
– Supervisors: Marko Torkkeli (LUT), Adeel Tariq (LUT), Usha Lyer-Raniga (RMIT), Akvan Gajanayake (RMIT)
– Research Fields: Sustainability, Circularity, Innovation
3. Mobility rule
Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of the Employing Institution for more than twelve (12) months in the thirty-six (36) months immediately preceding the deadline for the programme call.
4. Employment Benefits and Conditions
LUT University offers a 48-month full time work contract (12-month term, extended for 36 months provided that the studies progress satisfactorily). There is a probation period of 6 months and the annual workload for researchers is 1,612 hours / year.
The remuneration, in line with the European Commission rules for Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant holders, and in line with the General collective agreement for Finnish universities, will consist of a gross annual salary of est. 32 600 EUR (excl. holiday bonus) with salary increases up to 44 700 EUR as the studies proceed. Of this amount, the estimated first year net salary* to be perceived by the researcher is 2 080 EUR per month. However, the definite amount to be received is subject to national tax legislation.
For more information on Finnish taxation, please visit here.
*Net salaries can fluctuate in accordance with an individual’s personal circumstances (marital status, age, disability, family and dependents, etc. The above indicative net salaries offer an approximation of what a single person in their early 20s could expect to receive in their bank account after taxes.)
Benefits include
– Becoming a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow and be invited to join the Marie Curie Alumni Association
– Access to all the necessary facilities at LUT University and RMIT University
– Tuition fees exemption at both PhD awarding institutions
– Travel allowance to cover flights and accommodation for participating in DREAM+PLAN events
– Up to 12 months in Australia
– Occupational health care
– Paid sick leave for a limited period
– Holiday bonus
– 6 weeks paid holiday + Finnish public holidays (all together about 8 weeks).
– Social security coverage
5. PhD enrolment
Successful candidates for this position will be enrolled by the following institutions and must comply with their specific entry requirements, in addition to DREAM+PLAN’s conditions.
LUT University
To enrol in a Doctorate program you must meet the general conditions, namely:
– a relevant Master’s degree awarded by a university
– a relevant Master’s degree awarded by a university of applied sciences; or
– a relevant applicable study programme abroad which in the awarding country gives eligibility for the corresponding level of higher education.
International degrees
– The degree has to be an official or recognised degree in its country of origin.
– As a rule, at least four-year of education is required including a master’s thesis or corresponding final thesis.
– In all cases the doctoral programme in question considers case by case whether degrees earned abroad provide a sufficient foundation for postgraduate studies at LUT University.
– The precondition for the recognition of European degrees is that the degree is a university degree combination earned in accordance with the Bologna Process principles (3+2 years). The applicant is required to submit information in English (for example a Diploma Supplement) on the scope and the level of the degree/s obtained abroad when applying to LUT.
– If you apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree with an international degree please contact LUT Doctoral School for additional instructions before submitting study right application documents.
– Economics and Business Administration: One-year (60 ECTS credits) MBA-degrees do not generally qualify for doctoral studies. Candidates with an MBA-degree and their eligibility to apply will be considered case-by-case.
6. How to Apply
To apply and learn more about available positions, please visit Offered PhD Positions | Dream. You can access the PDF version of this call here. The deadline for applications is 13 March at 23:59 CET.
See how to apply here: Selection Process.
7. Contact Information
For further information, please contact [email protected].
Explore LUT as an employer and get information for international staff.
Find out more about the DREAM+PLAN program.
LUT University | Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of over 9,000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are one of the world’s top universities for climate action. lut.fi/en