项目介绍

2025年2月6日

This PhD project investigates the synergies (and tensions) between innovation, commercial success, and subculture dynamics within the empirical settings of techno music and tech startups. Central to this inquiry is how cultural and structural mechanisms enable the techno subculture to shape entrepreneurial activity in tech startups—and the systems and processes behind this influence. Conversely, do the practices, norms, and values of tech entrepreneurship feed back into the artistic and communal dimensions of techno culture- and if so, through what pathways or modalities? This project explores these questions while also considering external factors such as market trends, technological advancements, and socio-economic conditions. Additionally, it examines how subcultures maintain their unique identities while fostering new ideas, driving innovation, and creating economic opportunities. The findings will provide valuable insights into the intersection of creative industries, innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the key role of subcultures in shaping vibrant and innovative ecosystems.

Research questions may include, but are not limited to:

• How do techno music producers balance innovation with commercial demands like sponsorships and audience growth?
• How do emerging technologies (e.g., AI, IoT) influence the creation of innovative and commercially viable cultural products?
• What role do peripheral firms (e.g., music production software companies, sound and lighting providers) play in shaping techno events’ success and innovation, and how do they bridge the techno scene and tech startups?
• How does a vibrant techno scene (e.g., festivals, clubs) influence regional tech ecosystems, local artists, and related businesses (e.g., record labels, production companies)?
• How does subcultural affiliation with techno impact tech startups’ innovation, organizational culture, and scalability?
• How do collaboration and networking between music producers and peripheral firms drive the creation and commercialization of innovative cultural products?

This is what you will be doing

During your PhD, you will conduct primarily quantitative research aimed at advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and creative industries research in top-tier academic journals. You will also be an active member of one or more research labs focused on the creative industries, startups, and/or innovation. As a lab member within the Entrepreneurship and Innovation section, you will benefit from, and contribute to a broader research agenda, networks, initiatives, resources, and input from a larger group of experienced researchers. 

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Co-plan and conduct research (including the design of the studies, and the collection and analysis of empirical data); 
• write up findings for publication in prestigious academic journals and present research findings at leading international conferences;
• attend classes and seminars (including those offered at other universities) to further develop thinking and research skills;
• assist in relevant teaching and knowledge dissemination activities;
• expected output is at least 4 manuscripts ready for submission to or already published in top academic journals (adequate collegial support and mentorship will be provided).

This is what we ask of you

• Master’s degree in business administration/management, econometrics, economic sociology, computer science, or a related discipline (expected to finish by September 2025);
• openness to interdisciplinary approaches; 
• strong background in conducting quantitative research and an interest in exploring qualitative methods; 
• excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written;
• good teamwork skills.

This is what we offer you

• A function in which your initiative and input are strongly valued;
• an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues;
• collaboration opportunities in active and vibrant research labs;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment at the center of Amsterdam.

What else we offer:

We offer an employment contract for 38 hours a week with an initial period of 18 months, and after an intermediate evaluation after 18 months there is the possibility to extend it for 30 months (in total the contract will be for four years), preferably starting February 1st, 2025 (earlier or later possible). The end-result should be a PhD thesis. An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) conferences.

The gross monthly salary will range between €2,901,- in the first year to  €3.707,- in the last year for full-time employment (38 hours per week), excluding holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%). The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable. In addition, the UvA offers excellent study and development opportunities and encourages employees to continue to professionalise; The compensation package is competitive at the European level and includes several secondary benefits. Favorable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants. To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check uva.nl/working-at-eb.

The UvA has an extensive package of fringe benefits, including:

• 29 days’ holiday with full employment & extra holidays between Christmas and the New Year;
• excellent work (from home) facilities;
• reimbursement of commuting expenses;
• pension accrual with ABP;
• in addition, the UvA offers excellent study and development opportunities and encourages employees to continue their professional development;
• you may participate in the open UvA lectures with which you can earn up to 30 credits per year.