This project is funded by:
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- Department for the Economy (DfE)
- Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarship (VCRS)
Summary
Family-owned SMEs are vital to the economic and social fabric of Northern Ireland, particularly in rural and peripheral areas where they often provide employment, sustain local supply chains and contribute to community resilience. Yet many of these businesses face challenges associated with their location, including limited access to innovation support, business networks, specialist knowledge and opportunities for growth.
RISE will explore how rural and regionally dispersed family SMEs can be better supported to innovate, build capability and remain sustainable across generations. The project will examine the barriers and opportunities these businesses face in areas such as digital adoption, innovation, leadership and management development, access to external support, networking and succession planning.
Working closely with family businesses and regional stakeholders, the researcher will undertake a needs assessment and engage with firms through workshops, knowledge-exchange activities and peer-learning opportunities. The project will also explore how rural family SMEs can connect more effectively with Northern Ireland’s wider innovation ecosystem, including universities, further education, business support organisations and programmes designed to stimulate innovation and productivity.
The research will generate practical insights for participating businesses while also contributing to wider debates around regional economic development, SME resilience, family business continuity and place-based innovation. Outputs are expected to include case studies, practical resources and a good-practice framework that can inform future business support and policy.
This project would particularly suit an applicant interested in family business, entrepreneurship, SMEs, innovation, rural and regional development, or business sustainability, and who enjoys applied research with strong engagement with businesses and policy stakeholders.
Essential criteria
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 demonstrating interest in the subject area
- Research proposal of no more than 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
Desirable Criteria
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
- Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
- Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
Equal Opportunities
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
Funding and eligibility
This project is funded by:
- Department for the Economy (DfE)
- Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarship (VCRS)
PhD Scholarships are available for this project and will cover:
- Tuition fees.
- A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
- A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.
To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.