The Cork University Business School (CUBS) of University College Cork invites motivated and talented graduates with outstanding academic records to apply for a PhD Scholarship for a project titled “Supporting and scaling collaborative consumption models to accelerate a just circular economy transition in Ireland”. The supervisory team consists of Dr. Bernadette Power, Dr. John Eakins, Prof. Geraldine Ryan, Dr. Gordon Sirr and external advisor, Dr. Jack McCarthy, Rediscovery Centre.

We are looking for a PhD candidate who is interested in investigating how collaborative consumption models can be supported and scaled to accelerate Ireland’s transition to just circular economy. The circular economy—defined as a system which maintains the value of products, materials and resources in the economy for as long as possible, and minimises the generation of waste—marks a shift from the traditional “take-make-waste” linear economy which has driven a tripling of global resource consumption over the past fifty years, exacerbating climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Transitioning to a circular economy is essential for mitigating these environmental crises, but it must be done justly, balancing social, economic, and environmental considerations, and ensuring equity and fairness across society. Collaborative consumption—defined as a socio-economic model based on shared access to goods and services, including practices like swapping, gifting, borrowing, renting, and leasing—offers a promising pathway to advance the circular economy by reducing the need for new production and promoting more efficient use of existing and underutilised resources. Enabled by online platforms, community-based initiatives, and peer-to-peer networks, collaborative consumption models are increasingly recognised as key enablers of the CE, with high-profile examples like Vinted, Airbnb and Uber demonstrating their commercial viability. However, beyond these well-known cases, collaborative consumption models remain limited both in scope and scale, with many sectors and collaborative practices underexplored in Ireland. Against this background, this project aims to examine how collaborative consumption models can be effectively supported and scaled within Ireland, informing business and policy strategies to accelerate their adoption and ensure they contribute to a just CE transition benefiting everyone in society.

 The project central research questions are:

1) What types of collaborative consumption models hold the greatest potential to contribute to a just CE transition in Ireland?

2) What are the key enablers—such as technological, infrastructural, policy, socio-economic, cultural and behavioural factors—that facilitate successful adoption and scaling of collaborative consumption models in Ireland?

3) What types of incentives—including both financial and non-financial—can motivate consumers and service providers to engage with and adopt collaborative consumption models?

4) What types of organisations—such as start-ups, incumbent firms, or social enterprises—are best positioned to implement and scale collaborative consumption models, and in what sectors or areas?

Requirements 

The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated with an ability to work independently and be willing to undertake recommended coursework. Strong quantitative skills and good communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential requirements. Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours Grade I) and ideally hold an M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Economics or related). Applicants whose first language is not English must show evidence of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS minimum 6.5, individual sections 6.0), please check the requirements at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/

Responsibilities and Duties 

• To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the supervisory team. 

• To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the supervisory team, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies. 

• To engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which they are engaged, as directed by, with the support of and under the supervision of the supervisory team. 

• To become familiar with the extant literatures and publication process. 

• To acquire generic and transferable skills (including project management, business skills and postgraduate mentoring/supervision). 

• To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group, School or College. 

• To carry out administrative work to support the programme of research. 

• To carry out additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post. 

The PhD student will be based in the Department of Economics, of the Cork University Business School (CUBS) and will have the opportunity to engage with in related research initiatives developed in various departments and research institutes at UCC.

The Department of Economics at Cork University Business School (CUBS) is a leading academic unit committed to producing high-quality, impactful research. As part of one of Ireland's top business schools, the department combines a strong tradition of research excellence with a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary approach. Its research spans a broad range of economic fields, with a strategic emphasis on advancing sustainable business practices that contribute to societal, environmental, and economic well-being.

The successful applicant will have a supportive and interdisciplinary supervisory team and will be provided with learning and networking opportunities to attain the highest standards of academic excellence.  

Award 

The Ph.D. Scholarship is funded by EPA. The student will be required to undertake coursework during the scholarship as part of the UCC Structured PhD programme. The scholarship funding includes a stipend with a value of €25,000 per annum for 3 years.  There will also be funds available to conduct the field work and travel to conferences.