PhD in Business Models and Ecosystem Design for Regenerative Agriculture Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Tu/e is advertising a fully funded PhD position in Business Models and Ecosystem Design for Regenerative Agriculture within the Horizon Europe GroundWork project. The position is based at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences and is embedded in the Innovation, Technology Entrepreneurship & Marketing (ITEM) group.

The PhD will investigate how regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems can be enabled through better business models, ecosystem coordination, and financing mechanisms. The research focuses on opportunity recognition in regenerative farming, business model innovation for farmers, stakeholder alignment, and entrepreneurial decision-making in real-world contexts. The project combines theory and practice and aims to produce high-impact publications in strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation journals.

The work will use design science research together with qualitative and mixed methods such as interviews, case studies, and fieldwork. The PhD candidate will co-create tools, workshops, and frameworks with farmers and stakeholders and test them in European Living Labs in Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Serbia.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. The role is suited to candidates with strong analytical ability, interest in sustainability transitions and agrifood systems, and experience or interest in qualitative/mixed-method research. Excellent English at C1 level and at least one Living Lab language (German, French, Portuguese, Swedish, or Serbian) are required. The position also involves some teaching and student supervision.

Funding includes a 4-year full-time PhD contract with salary from €3,059 to €3,881 per month, plus bonuses and standard Dutch university benefits such as paid leave, parental benefits, training support, sports facilities, and work-from-home allowances.

The application deadline is 18 June 2026. Applicants must submit a complete online application through the TU/e portal, including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and references if available. Email and postal applications are not accepted.