PhD in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

PhD in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Working at the UvA

Subcultures at the Creative Nexus: Techno Music & Tech Startups

This PhD project investigates the synergies (and tensions) between innovation, commercial success, and subculture dynamics within the empirical settings of techno music and tech startups. Central to this inquiry is how cultural and structural mechanisms enable the techno subculture to shape entrepreneurial activity in tech startups—and the systems and processes behind this influence. Conversely, do the practices, norms, and values of tech entrepreneurship feed back into the artistic and communal dimensions of techno culture- and if so, through what pathways or modalities? This project explores these questions while also considering external factors such as market trends, technological advancements, and socio-economic conditions. Additionally, it examines how subcultures maintain their unique identities while fostering new ideas, driving innovation, and creating economic opportunities. The findings will provide valuable insights into the intersection of creative industries, innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the key role of subcultures in shaping vibrant and innovative ecosystems.

Research questions may include, but are not limited to:

  • How do techno music producers balance innovation with commercial demands like sponsorships and audience growth?
  • How do emerging technologies (e.g., AI, IoT) influence the creation of innovative and commercially viable cultural products?
  • What role do peripheral firms (e.g., music production software companies, sound and lighting providers) play in shaping techno events’ success and innovation, and how do they bridge the techno scene and tech startups?
  • How does a vibrant techno scene (e.g., festivals, clubs) influence regional tech ecosystems, local artists, and related businesses (e.g., record labels, production companies)?
  • How does subcultural affiliation with techno impact tech startups’ innovation, organizational culture, and scalability?
  • How do collaboration and networking between music producers and peripheral firms drive the creation and commercialization of innovative cultural products?

Working at the UvA

Subcultures at the Creative Nexus: Techno Music & Tech Startups

This PhD project investigates the synergies (and tensions) between innovation, commercial success, and subculture dynamics within the empirical settings of techno music and tech startups. Central to this inquiry is how cultural and structural mechanisms enable the techno subculture to shape entrepreneurial activity in tech startups—and the systems and processes behind this influence. Conversely, do the practices, norms, and values of tech entrepreneurship feed back into the artistic and communal dimensions of techno culture- and if so, through what pathways or modalities? This project explores these questions while also considering external factors such as market trends, technological advancements, and socio-economic conditions. Additionally, it examines how subcultures maintain their unique identities while fostering new ideas, driving innovation, and creating economic opportunities. The findings will provide valuable insights into the intersection of creative industries, innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the key role of subcultures in shaping vibrant and innovative ecosystems.

Research questions may include, but are not limited to:

  • How do techno music producers balance innovation with commercial demands like sponsorships and audience growth?
  • How do emerging technologies (e.g., AI, IoT) influence the creation of innovative and commercially viable cultural products?
  • What role do peripheral firms (e.g., music production software companies, sound and lighting providers) play in shaping techno events’ success and innovation, and how do they bridge the techno scene and tech startups?
  • How does a vibrant techno scene (e.g., festivals, clubs) influence regional tech ecosystems, local artists, and related businesses (e.g., record labels, production companies)?
  • How does subcultural affiliation with techno impact tech startups’ innovation, organizational culture, and scalability?
  • How do collaboration and networking between music producers and peripheral firms drive the creation and commercialization of innovative cultural products?

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

During your PhD, you will conduct primarily quantitative research aimed at advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and creative industries research in top-tier academic journals. You will also be an active member of one or more research labs focused on the creative industries, startups, and/or innovation. As a lab member within the Entrepreneurship and Innovation section, you will benefit from, and contribute to a broader research agenda, networks, initiatives, resources, and input from a larger group of experienced researchers. 

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • Co-plan and conduct research (including the design of the studies, and the collection and analysis of empirical data); 
  • write up findings for publication in prestigious academic journals and present research findings at leading international conferences;
  • attend classes and seminars (including those offered at other universities) to further develop thinking and research skills;
  • assist in relevant teaching and knowledge dissemination activities;
  • expected output is at least 4 manuscripts ready for submission to or already published in top academic journals (adequate collegial support and mentorship will be provided).

This is what we ask of you

  • Master’s degree in business administration/management, econometrics, economic sociology, computer science, or a related discipline (expected to finish by September 2025);
  • openness to interdisciplinary approaches; 
  • strong background in conducting quantitative research and an interest in exploring qualitative methods; 
  • excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written;
  • good teamwork skills.

This is what we offer you

  • A function in which your initiative and input are strongly valued;
  • an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues;
  • collaboration opportunities in active and vibrant research labs;
  • an inspiring academic and international work environment at the center of Amsterdam.

What else we offer:

We offer an employment contract for 38 hours a week with an initial period of 18 months, and after an intermediate evaluation after 18 months there is the possibility to extend it for 30 months (in total the contract will be for four years), preferably starting February 1st, 2025 (earlier or later possible). The end-result should be a PhD thesis. An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) conferences.

The gross monthly salary will range between €2,901,- in the first year to  €3.707,- in the last year for full-time employment (38 hours per week), excluding holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%). The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable. In addition, the UvA offers excellent study and development opportunities and encourages employees to continue to professionalise; The compensation package is competitive at the European level and includes several secondary benefits. Favorable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants. To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check uva.nl/working-at-eb.

The UvA has an extensive package of fringe benefits, including:

  • 29 days' holiday with full employment & extra holidays between Christmas and the New Year;
  • excellent work (from home) facilities;
  • reimbursement of commuting expenses;
  • pension accrual with ABP;
  • in addition, the UvA offers excellent study and development opportunities and encourages employees to continue their professional development;
  • you may participate in the open UvA lectures with which you can earn up to 30 credits per year.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

During your PhD, you will conduct primarily quantitative research aimed at advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and creative industries research in top-tier academic journals. You will also be an active member of one or more research labs focused on the creative industries, startups, and/or innovation. As a lab member within the Entrepreneurship and Innovation section, you will benefit from, and contribute to a broader research agenda, networks, initiatives, resources, and input from a larger group of experienced researchers. 

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • Co-plan and conduct research (including the design of the studies, and the collection and analysis of empirical data); 
  • write up findings for publication in prestigious academic journals and present research findings at leading international conferences;
  • attend classes and seminars (including those offered at other universities) to further develop thinking and research skills;
  • assist in relevant teaching and knowledge dissemination activities;
  • expected output is at least 4 manuscripts ready for submission to or already published in top academic journals (adequate collegial support and mentorship will be provided).

This is what we ask of you

  • Master’s degree in business administration/management, econometrics, economic sociology, computer science, or a related discipline (expected to finish by September 2025);
  • openness to interdisciplinary approaches; 
  • strong background in conducting quantitative research and an interest in exploring qualitative methods; 
  • excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written;
  • good teamwork skills.

This is what we offer you

  • A function in which your initiative and input are strongly valued;
  • an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues;
  • collaboration opportunities in active and vibrant research labs;
  • an inspiring academic and international work environment at the center of Amsterdam.

What else we offer:

We offer an employment contract for 38 hours a week with an initial period of 18 months, and after an intermediate evaluation after 18 months there is the possibility to extend it for 30 months (in total the contract will be for four years), preferably starting February 1st, 2025 (earlier or later possible). The end-result should be a PhD thesis. An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) conferences.

The gross monthly salary will range between €2,901,- in the first year to  €3.707,- in the last year for full-time employment (38 hours per week), excluding holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%). The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable. In addition, the UvA offers excellent study and development opportunities and encourages employees to continue to professionalise; The compensation package is competitive at the European level and includes several secondary benefits. Favorable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants. To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check uva.nl/working-at-eb.

The UvA has an extensive package of fringe benefits, including:

  • 29 days' holiday with full employment & extra holidays between Christmas and the New Year;
  • excellent work (from home) facilities;
  • reimbursement of commuting expenses;
  • pension accrual with ABP;
  • in addition, the UvA offers excellent study and development opportunities and encourages employees to continue their professional development;
  • you may participate in the open UvA lectures with which you can earn up to 30 credits per year.

Your place at the UvA

You'll be working in this team and department:

The PhD position is with Dr. Yuval Engel,  Dr. Monika Kackovic, and Dr. Balazs Szatmari (ABS). The Entrepreneurship and Innovation section has over 15 employees who do research and teach mainly in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Marketing, and Management Science. The members of the department have published their research in top-tier academic journals, such as the Academy of Management Journal, Management Science, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Organization Science, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management Studies, Organization Studies, Research Policy, and the Journal of Business Venturing.

Members of the department are also involved in teaching in undergraduate- and master-level programs and uphold strong relationships with industry and business.

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, offering the broadest range of degree programmes. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates, all connected by a shared culture of intellectual curiosity.

Find more information about Economics and Business on uva.nl/eb.
Find more information about the Amsterdam Business School on abs.uva.nl.
Find more information about the Amsterdam School of Economics on ase.uva.nl.

To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check our page Working at the UvA and uva.nl/working-at-eb

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

You'll be working in this team and department:

The PhD position is with Dr. Yuval Engel,  Dr. Monika Kackovic, and Dr. Balazs Szatmari (ABS). The Entrepreneurship and Innovation section has over 15 employees who do research and teach mainly in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Marketing, and Management Science. The members of the department have published their research in top-tier academic journals, such as the Academy of Management Journal, Management Science, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Organization Science, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management Studies, Organization Studies, Research Policy, and the Journal of Business Venturing.

Members of the department are also involved in teaching in undergraduate- and master-level programs and uphold strong relationships with industry and business.

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, offering the broadest range of degree programmes. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates, all connected by a shared culture of intellectual curiosity.

Find more information about Economics and Business on uva.nl/eb.
Find more information about the Amsterdam Business School on abs.uva.nl.
Find more information about the Amsterdam School of Economics on ase.uva.nl.

To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check our page Working at the UvA and uva.nl/working-at-eb

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 1 April 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in one pdf should include:

  • A curriculum vitae;
  • a letter of motivation including a description of the candidate’s primary research interests and ambitions;
  • shortlisted candidates will be invited for a job interview and may be asked to present their (thesis) research work. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide two reference letters.

The first round of interviews will take place during the spring of 2025. (A second round may follow: date tba).

If you have any questions about the position, please get in touch during office hours:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

Important to know

Your application & contact

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 1 April 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in one pdf should include:

  • A curriculum vitae;
  • a letter of motivation including a description of the candidate’s primary research interests and ambitions;
  • shortlisted candidates will be invited for a job interview and may be asked to present their (thesis) research work. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide two reference letters.

The first round of interviews will take place during the spring of 2025. (A second round may follow: date tba).

If you have any questions about the position, please get in touch during office hours:

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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