Jun Du
Top university
5 months ago
This position has expired. You can find similar positions from the section below or browse our positions listing pages.
PhD Studentship in MNE Location Choice, Productive Investment, and Middle Powers The University of Manchester in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Geography
Funding
Fully funded studentship sponsored by The Productivity Institute. The PhD starts in October 2026; no stipend amount or tuition details are specified in the post, but the opportunity is described as fully-funded/fully sponsored.
Deadline
Expired
Country
United Kingdom
University
The University of Manchester
Suggested positions
Keywords
About this position
PhD opportunity at The University of Manchester, hosted by Alliance Manchester Business School and fully sponsored by The Productivity Institute.
The project is titled “MNE Location Choice and Productive Investment in Middle Powers” and sits at the intersection of International Business, Economic Geography, Industrial Policy, and productivity research. The study examines what drives durable productivity outcomes from foreign investment in middle-power economies, with a focus on multinational enterprise (MNE) location choice, cross-border investment, and firm- and sector-level productivity outcomes.
The research programme includes three linked studies: (1) a novel typology of middle-power economies, (2) an analysis of MNE location choices using large firm-level and trade datasets such as Orbis, and (3) a qualitative case study of the UK with comparative international analysis. The project also references strategic sectors such as financial services, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
This is a strong fit for candidates with a background in economics, international business, or a related field, especially those with strong quantitative skills and an interest in productivity, foreign direct investment, and industrial strategy. The post states that both UK and international students are eligible.
The studentship is described as fully funded / fully sponsored and starts in October 2026. For formal applications and informal enquiries, use the linked application page and project information page provided in the post.
Funding details
Fully funded studentship sponsored by The Productivity Institute. The PhD starts in October 2026; no stipend amount or tuition details are specified in the post, but the opportunity is described as fully-funded/fully sponsored.
What's required
Applicants should have a Master's degree in economics, international business, or a related field. Strong quantitative skills are required, and the project is suited to candidates interested in international business, economic geography, industrial strategy, foreign investment, and productivity research. UK and international students are eligible.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Professor
United Kingdom
Research Interests
International Business
International Economics
International Management
Global Value Chain
Business Economics
Professor
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Statistics
Management
Economics
Economic Geography
International Relations
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.