Doctoral Program - The Economics of Innovative Change

The doctoral program “The Economics of Innovative Change” offers the opportunity to achieve a doctoral degree (PhD) in economics to top level graduated students. The program is under the auspices of the Department of Economics of the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena and the Max Planck Institute of Economics, Jena.

The program addresses questions and problems concerning the economic dynamics of firms, markets, sectors and regions with an analytical focus on the endogenous driving forces mainly understood as the activities of invention and innovation. Among the range of topics are the behavioural and organizational foundations of inventive and innovative activities, their effects on sectoral and regional structures combined especially with demand side considerations as well as the political management of change. For analysing those topics theoretical and empirical approaches as well as experimental studies are welcome.

Scholarship positions require a permanent and active participation in the study and the research program of the research training group. Therefore all scholarship holders are expected to choose Jena as their place of residence.

The program...
... is funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG RTG 1411) and offers the opportunity to achieve a doctoral degree (PhD) in economics for excellent, top-level rated students. The program is designed for three years.

During the first year students improve their basic theoretical knowledge and methodological competencies.
In the second year students concentrate on their essential research activities.
During the last year individual PhD projects are completed.
Every year, the program includes a summer school with lectures held by renowned international researchers. Within the last two years, a research visit at one of the partner universities abroad for about three months is recommended.

Courses...
...include Advanced Microeconomics, Econometrics, Economic Dynamics, Entrepeneurship, Experimental Economics, Game Theory, Innovation and Trade, Innovation Systems...

Students...
...will benefit from close interaction of theoretical and empirical work,
...will apply complementary methodological approaches,
...will have an interest in quantitative and experimental methods.

Applications are required to include
Application form, CV, copy of diploma, BA, MA certificate, copy of diploma or master thesis, writing sample (about 10 pages), 2 reference letters, 1 page statement on the expected benefit from participating in the program.
For the application form and more information on the structure, teaching staff and objectives of the Graduate College visit our homepage gk.wiwi.uni-jena.de, fill in and return by e-mail to the spokesman of the Graduate College:
Professor Dr. Uwe CantnerFriedrich Schiller University of JenaDepartment of EconomicsCarl-Zeiss-Str. 3D-07743 Jenae-mail: uwe.cantner@uni-jena.de
Application is possible on a continuous basis. We prefer the submission of electronic versions of your application documents. In case you post your documents, please do not send any originals because materials submitted cannot be returned to the applicant.