SETU 2025 Presidents Scholarship Programme

This fully funded PhD scholarship at South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the development of marketing capabilities in micro food firms through a network-based perspective. The project is situated within the BRIM (RIKON) research centre, a nationally recognised research unit in the Faculty of Business, and is part of a vibrant team of PhD students.

The research focuses on micro food firms engaged in food production and processing, which are vital to rural and regional economies but often face significant resource constraints, particularly in marketing. The project aims to explore how business networks and networking capabilities can help these firms overcome limitations and enhance their marketing effectiveness. Using a qualitative research design, including semi-structured interviews and a network picture approach, the study will develop a framework to identify the most relevant marketing capabilities for micro food firms and provide insights into how network capabilities support their development.

Findings from this research will contribute to academic knowledge in small business marketing and network capability development, while also offering practical guidance for micro food firms and informing policy initiatives to support the artisan and small-scale food sector in Ireland and similar European contexts.

The scholarship is funded by the SETU 2025 Presidents Scholarship Programme and provides a stipend of €22,500 per annum, full fees (€5,750 per annum), and research costs (€2,000 per annum) for four years. Applicants should have at least a 2.1 Honours degree in Business, Social Science, or a related area, experience in research, and meet SETU’s English language requirements. A Master’s degree, relevant professional experience, and training in qualitative research methods are desirable.

To apply, complete the online application form on the SETU website, quoting the reference code SETU_2025_04_WSCH, and upload all supporting documents by 22 April 2026. For informal queries, contact Dr. Anne-Marie Ivers at [email protected]. For application process queries, contact [email protected].