Announcement

Applications Open: PhD Programme on Innovation, Economics, Governance, and Sustainable Development

UNU-MERIT is accepting applications for its PhD Programme on Innovation, Economics, Governance, and Sustainable Development (IEGSD).

The UNU Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) is accepting applications until 28 February for the PhD Programme on Innovation, Economics, Governance, and Sustainable Development (IEGSD).

The programme offers high-quality education, training and supervision to its PhD candidates, leading to a doctoral degree from Maastricht University. Through disciplinary and multidisciplinary research, the programme contributes to the academic debate and to societal policy and innovation solutions at all stages of the policy process.

The PhD programme is part of the UNU-MERIT Graduate School and hosts over 100 PhD fellows working on a doctoral dissertation within the core disciplines of UNU-MERIT:

  1. The economics of innovation — Topics of interest include: the process of technological change and innovation; the economics of knowledge and new technologies; structural change and economic development; economic complexity and innovation.
  2. Public policy and governance — Topics of interest include: governance and institutions; migration and development; population, development and labour economics; social protection; poverty and inequality; policy analysis and evaluation.
  3. Societal transformations — Topics of interest include:  innovation and entrepreneurship for sustainable transitions; sustainable innovation and transformation; system transitions; innovation for the ‘base of the Pyramid’

For full programme and application details, visit the UNU-MERIT website.

Related content

News

Session Highlights How Learning Can Drive Climate Action

UNU-IAS held an online session of the Climate Classroom @COP30 exploring how meaningful learning can be a catalyst for climate action.

13 Nov 2025

Article

The 2025 Okayama Declaration: RCEs' Collective Commitment for Sustainable Futures

The Declaration reflects the renewed commitment of RCEs to harness education for advancing sustainability.

12 Nov 2025