At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on IP, entrepreneurship, and innovation in SMEs.
- Company: Join the University of Liverpool's Management School for a transformative academic journey.
- Benefits: Receive a fully funded PhD with a £20,780 annual grant and teaching experience.
- Other info: Apply by 17 November 2025 for this exciting opportunity!
- Why this job: Shape the future of entrepreneurship and IP while launching your academic career.
- Qualifications: Must have a UK master’s degree or equivalent in business and management.
The predicted salary is between 17700 - 17700 £ per year.
Overview
Four year fully funded GTF PhD Studentship - Intellectual Property (IP), Entrepreneurship and Innovation in SMEs
Company: University of Liverpool, Management School
Location: United Kingdom/ Liverpool
Posted: 23/10/2025
Four year fully funded GTF PhD studentship - Intellectual property (IP), entrepreneurship and innovation in SMEs
Become part of an impactful research project that looks at the intersection between intellectual property, entrepreneurship and innovation in SMEs, with full funding from our four year PhD studentship.
- £20,780 annual tax-free maintenance grant
- Higher education teacher training and practice
- A £700 per year research allowance available from Year 2
This PhD studentship will give you the opportunity to undertake timely and high-impact research on how startups and SMEs navigate the increasingly complex landscape of IP, innovation and value capture.
As well as providing you with the funds to launch your academic career, with our GTF you’ll gain experience as a university lecturer to become a rounded scholar. This means that as well as pursuing your PhD research, you’ll also be involved in a fixed number of teaching hours during your time with us.
You can apply for two different projects under the overarching theme of ‘Rethinking IP and Entrepreneurship’, which brings together core questions around entrepreneurship, knowledge protection and business model innovation, with relevance across a range of sectors.
Alongside these two main projects, we also welcome other research proposals related to this theme, particularly those with a strong econometric orientation.
For example, proposals which examine SME innovation outcomes through analyses of inventor teams using patent datasets, or those exploring the strategic use and impact of IP on the internationalisation of SMEs and on how startups secure and manage venture capital funding.
If you are successful in your application, you’ll work together to co-develop the precise focus and methodological approach for the project.
Project 1 – Strategic IP management and business model innovation in SMEs
The aim of this project is to study how entrepreneurial firms engage with IP strategy in the context of dynamic technological disruption and their ecosystems.
A potential area for exploration is how innovative startups and SMEs, make strategic decisions around knowledge protection – including patents, trade secrets and informal mechanisms -, interact with others in their ecosystem (eg other businesses, IP advisors and legal service providers) and adapt their business strategies and models as a result.
Another area of interest is the development of IP-related capabilities in startups and how new types of services – shaped by technological change (eg AI) – are influencing conventional IP advisory models.
The project could also examine the emergence of new ecosystems of knowledge protection and their impact on entrepreneurial decision-making and innovation strategies, including how these dynamics vary across different industries, as well as institutional and legal environments.
Project 2 – Entrepreneurship and IP strategy in the creative industries: navigating value capture for SMEs in the age of AI
The aim of this project is to explore entrepreneurial innovation in the cultural and creative industries.
Startups and SMEs in sectors, such as music, arts and media, face growing challenges in protecting and monetising their creative output, particularly as digitalisation and emerging technologies, such as AI, reshape established value capture models.
A potential area for examination is how entrepreneurs understand and use IP (eg copyright, trademarks) and make decisions about what to protect, as well as how their business models evolve in response to an increasingly complex and shifting technological and legal environment domestically and across international markets.
Another relevant area for investigation is how entrepreneurs assess risks and manage uncertainty around the future of content ownership and value generation, often without formal legal expertise or appropriate IP frameworks.
The project may involve interviews with key informants in the creative industries as well as business owners and managers in creative ventures, to explore their thinking around IP, creativity and commercialisation.
For example, looking into how their approaches differ when they operate in countries with stronger or weaker IP enforcement regimes.
Who is this for?
This opportunity is available for full-time PhD students from all over the world.
To apply, you’ll need a UK master’s degree – or international equivalent – in a business and management discipline, preferably at distinction or merit.
If you’d like to apply for this PhD studentship, please visit the University of Liverpool website and complete your online application beforeMonday 17 November 2025 at 1pm UK time, following these steps:
- Select the‘Management Studies – Doctor in Philosophy (PhD)’option as your programme of study
- In the‘Finance’section, select funding source ‘Sponsor’ and insert‘PHD-BRETT-ULMS-2025’in the box below
- Also include ‘PHD-BRETT-ULMS-2025’ as the first line of your personal statement.
As well as other relevant documentation, you need to submit atwo-pageresearch interest statement (instead of a research proposal) which:
- Engages with one (or both) of the proposed project areas or sets out a related project within the overarching theme
- Identifies relevant themes and research questions for up to three potential studies
- Briefly outlines possible methodological approaches you may consider.
Once we have reviewed your application, we’ll get in touch to let you know whether you have the potential to receive the PhD studentship.
If so, we’ll invite you for an interview in the first week of December and let you know whether you have been successful in your application by the end of the month.
Contact Person: If you wish to apply for this position, please specify that you saw it on AKADEUS.
Four year fully funded GTF PhD Studentship - Intellectual Property (IP), Entrepreneurship and I[...] in Liverpool employer: University of Liverpool, Management School
The University of Liverpool offers an exceptional environment for aspiring researchers through its fully funded GTF PhD studentship in Intellectual Property, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. With a commitment to academic excellence, you will benefit from a generous maintenance grant, teaching experience, and access to a vibrant research community that fosters collaboration and innovation. Located in the dynamic city of Liverpool, this opportunity not only supports your academic journey but also positions you at the forefront of impactful research in SMEs, ensuring a meaningful and rewarding career path.
Contact Details:
University of Liverpool, Management School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Four year fully funded GTF PhD Studentship - Intellectual Property (IP), Entrepreneurship and I[...] in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty at the University of Liverpool. They can give you insider info on the programme and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to IP, entrepreneurship, and innovation. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your research interests clearly in your application. Make sure your two-page statement is engaging and directly relates to the projects offered. We love creativity!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
We think you need these skills to ace Four year fully funded GTF PhD Studentship - Intellectual Property (IP), Entrepreneurship and I[...] in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Projects:Before you start writing, take some time to really understand the two main projects. Think about how your interests align with them and what unique angle you can bring to the table. This will help you craft a more tailored application.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to include 'PHD-BRETT-ULMS-2025' at the top, and clearly express your passion for IP and entrepreneurship. Share your relevant experiences and how they connect to the research themes.
Research Interest Statement Matters:Don’t skimp on your two-page research interest statement! Engage with the proposed project areas, identify key themes, and outline potential methodologies. This is your opportunity to showcase your research skills and creativity.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through the University of Liverpool's website before the deadline. Following the application steps carefully will ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity. We’re excited to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Liverpool, Management School
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of your proposed research area. Familiarise yourself with key concepts around intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and innovation in SMEs. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the project.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the projects, the university's approach to research, and potential collaborations. This shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience
Since this PhD studentship involves teaching, be ready to discuss any previous teaching or mentoring experience you have. Highlight how you can bring value to the university as a lecturer and how you plan to engage students in your subject matter.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You might need to present your research ideas during the interview. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing a mock presentation for friends or colleagues to get feedback on your delivery and content.
