Rene Belderbos

KU Leuven is advertising a PhD position in Entrepreneurship and Innovation within a funded research project on the connectivity between entrepreneurial ecosystems and (mobile) innovative entrepreneurial ventures. The project sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship , innovation , and regional economics , with empirical work using large firm-level datasets and patent-based innovation indicators. The doctoral research will be carried out in collaboration with Maastricht University and co-supervised by Prof. dr. Rene Belderbos , Prof. dr. Liudmila Alekseeva , and Prof. dr. Erik Stam (Utrecht University). The successful candidate will pursue a joint PhD degree awarded by KU Leuven and Maastricht University. The first year includes completion of the doctoral course program at FEB KU Leuven. During the first two years, the PhD student will be employed at KU Leuven, followed by the final two years at Maastricht University. Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a background in (Business) Economics, Business Engineering, Business Studies, or a related field. A research master’s degree is preferred, especially with quantitative and methodological training. Strong skills in large databases, quantitative methods, and programming are required, along with excellent academic results and fluent English. Funding: the position is a salaried PhD role with social security coverage. The contract is initially for one year and renewable annually up to four years. Application: submit a short application letter and motivation statement, CV, transcripts with grading system and course details, two reference letters, and GRE/GMAT results if available. Apply online by 2026-05-21 .