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Introduction
The PhD programme on Innovation, Economics, Governance and Sustainable Development (IEGSD) at UNU-MERIT offers a world-class education, comprehensive training, and expert supervision to PhD candidates eager to explore the transformative effects of innovative technologies, public policies, and governance on global development outcomes. Situated within UNU-MERIT, the programme benefits from the vast resources, knowledge, and extensive networks of the United Nations University and its affiliated UN organisations. Its integration into Maastricht University (UM) ensures that the research conducted maintains the highest standards of academic rigor while directly addressing real-world policy challenges. Our unique blend of academic excellence and policy relevance equips PhD candidates with the critical skills and knowledge to conduct their doctoral research.
Core Research Areas
PhD fellows contribute to the core areas of the UNU-MERIT research agenda focusing on:
The economics of Innovation and Technology:
Topics include the microeconomics of innovation at the firm level, structural change, trade and industrial policy, the transition to sustainable and green technologies, circular economies, and the role of science in development.
Public Policy and Governance:
This area examines the impact of various public policies, including social, migration, labour, and food policies, on development outcomes. It also explores governance challenges in fiscal and foreign policy, the effects of corruption, and coordination issues in areas like migration and sustainable governance.
The programme encourages the adoption of novel metrics and computational methods to address these complex research questions.
Diverse PhD Tracks
Our programme currently hosts over 100 PhD fellows working on their doctoral dissertations in one of the two tracks:
• The Full-Time PhD track is a rigorous four-year programme based in Maastricht and is designed for students who are deeply committed to advancing research in our key areas. Candidates in this track typically secure funding through grants or scholarships, allowing them to focus fully on their doctoral research.
• The Dual Career PhD track has a flexible format which enables professionals with a strong research ambition to develop and execute a high-quality research project that culminates in a PhD, while balancing their existing career responsibilities. This flexible track accommodates the unique needs of professionals, allowing for limited but regular on-site presence, self-paced work, and online support. It offers the same rigorous academic standards, staff support, and doctoral degree.
By offering both tracks, UNU-MERIT ensures that talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances can contribute to the ongoing academic research and policy debates that shape our understanding of innovation and development.
Doctorate Degree
Full-time PhD Programme
Doctorate Degree
Dual career PhD programme
Supervisory Excellence
UNU-MERIT’s PhD programme boasts a distinguished international faculty, drawing from experts and renowned scholars within UNU, UM, and beyond. This wealth of knowledge and experience provides exceptional supervisory capacity, ensuring that PhD candidates receive first-rate guidance throughout their academic journey, culminating in a doctoral degree from Maastricht University.
How to apply?
Every year we have an open call for applications. The new Call opens on 1 November 2026 and will close on 15 February 2027.
This call will be for both Dual career and Full-time tracks. We will subsequently select in March and April 2027 the new cohort that will start in September 2027. During the period of the open Call, we organise consultation sessions to present the programme and offer the opportunity to ask questions and also reply to questions about the programme by email. Application forms and information about selection criteria and procedures can already be found on the webpages of the respective programmes.
Point of contact
For more information about our PhD programme, please contact: phdprogramme@merit.unu.edu