项目介绍

2026年4月11日

The Department of Management, Strategy and Innovation (MSI) is a dynamic and expanding research unit consisting of about 25 faculty members (FTE), 10 postdocs and over 25 PhD students. The Department has built up an excellent research reputation in the domains of innovation, international business, and corporate strategy, among others. It has unique and specific expertise in the use of patent data. A listing of publications and projects, the CVs of faculty members, as well as project summaries can be found on the departmental website: https://feb.kuleuven.be/research/MSI.

Project

The candidate will engage in academic research and is expected to obtain a doctoral degree within 4 years, under supervision of Prof. dr. René Belderbos and Prof. dr. Liudmila Alekseeva. In the first year, the doctoral course program has to be completed at the FEB KU Leuven. Doctoral students are also expected to assist in the supervision of Master theses within the domain of their research and expertise. Research will be part of a funded project regarding the role of the connectivity between entrepreneurial ecosystems on (mobile) innovative entrepreneurial ventures. The project will draw on the entrepreneurship, regional economics, and innovation literatures, with empirical application to large firm-level datasets and patent-based innovation indicators. The project will involve international collaboration with Maastricht University and co-supervisor Prof. Dr. Erik Stam at Utrecht University. The candidate will pursue a joint PhD degree awarded by KU Leuven and Maastricht University. During the first two years the PhD student will be employed at KU Leuven and the final two years at Maastricht University.

Profile

Candidates have a background in (Business) Economics, Business Engineering, Business studies, or related domains. They preferably have obtained a research master’s degree with due attention to quantitative and methodological courses. Excellent skills in handling large databases, quantitative methods, and programming are required. Candidates have a strong interest in academic research and can show excellent (honors-level) results in prior studies. Candidates are fluent in spoken and written English.

Offer

We offer a 1-year contract renewable each year up to a total of 4 years. PhD candidates at KU Leuven and Maastricht University have a salaried position with social security coverage.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Rene Belderbos, mail: rene.belderbos@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Liudmila Alekseeva, mail: liudmila.alekseeva@kuleuven.beApplicants must submit the following documents: a short application letter and motivation statement, a curriculum vitae, university transcripts with a description of the grading system and courses followed, two reference letters, and if available a GMAT or GRE test results.You can apply for this job no later than May 21, 2026 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

• Sollicitatieprocedure
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Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be