What constitutes effective enterprise support for pro-environmental and pro-social SMEs?

Project summary

With funding streams for ‘low carbon’ business support shifting from European to UK Government sources over the coming years, this study explores the variety of business support mechanisms that are being used to encourage SMEs to become more energy and resource efficient, develop eco-innovation, supply more low-carbon and environmental goods and services and succeed in sustainable and ‘circular’ supply chains whilst at the same time re-generating the environment and supporting pro-social and community causes. It will draw conclusions about what mechanisms offer the greatest opportunities and strongest levers to support national and international environmental targets.

Research cluster

Centre for Business Improvement

Entry requirements

For our PhD programmes, we normally expect you to have a First or Upper-Second (2:1) honours degree and preferably a masters degree from a UK university or qualifications that we consider to be equivalent.

Applicants will also need to demonstrate understanding, awareness and engagement with the needs and interests of pro-environmental and pro-social business.

International students may also need to meet our English language requirements. Find out more about our entry requirements for international students.

How to apply

Please contact Dr Fred Paterson (F.Paterson@derby.ac.uk) in the first instance.

The University has four starting points each year for MPhil/PhD programmes (September, January, March and June). Applications should be made at least three months before you would want to start your programme. Please note that if you require a visa additional time will be required.

Funding

Self-funded by student. There is a range of options that may be available to you to help you fund your PhD.

Supervisor

Dr Polina Baranova

Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability

Polina Baranova is a Senior Lecturer in Strategic Management. Her research lies at the intersection of strategy, business and society. In particular, she specialises in the development of the environmental capabilities in various organisational settings through stakeholder engagement and stakeholder management.

References

Baranova, P., Paterson, F., Gallotta, B. (2020). ‘Configuration of enterprise support towards the clean growth challenge: a place-based perspective’. Local Economy, pp. 1-25
Paterson, F. (2017). 'Leadership and the low carbon economy'. In Baranova, P., Conway, E., Lynch N., and Paterson., F. ‘The low carbon economy: understanding and supporting a sustainable transition’. Switzerland: Springer/ Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 167-197
Baranova, P. and Paterson, F. (2017) 'Environmental capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises: Towards transition to a low carbon economy in the East Midlands.', Local Economy: The Journal of the Local Economy Policy Unit', Local Economy, 32 (8), pp. 835-853

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