Innovation Adoption and New Technologies

A large body of innovation research has focused on the generation of innovations (e.g., patents or R&D), while comparatively less emphasis has been placed on the adoption of (such) innovations. This adoption-oriented perspective has become increasingly important with the emergence of highly disruptive technologies and their applications, such as AI, and the rapid advancements in this field (e.g., the surge in AI-driven innovations).

Why are some individuals, organizations, and whole populations more receptive to adopting new technologies? What are the key enablers and barriers? How can these adoption processes feed back into and inform innovation generation processes (e.g., the development of innovative startups)?

This PhD project aims to leverage quantitative data and statistical methods to gain a deeper understanding of the success and failure of disruptive innovations. The potential scope of the project includes, but is not limited to, topics such as:

• The drivers and barriers of deep new technology adoption (in organizations/populations), such as the adoption of disruptive AI applications
• The sociocognitive factors and mechanisms shaping adoption processes in organization/populations
• The psychological barriers of innovation projects and their interactions at the individual, firm, or regional level
• The adoption of social and sustainable innovations and circular economic models
• The effect of social networks on adopting disruptive innovations
• The psychological microfoundations of the social evaluation processes of new technologies, innovations, or entrepreneurs

During your PhD, you will receive training in innovation research and quantitative methods. You will conduct your own quantitative research aimed at advancing innovation research and publishing in top-tier academic journals (e.g., Business School Journals). These research projects may have an interdisciplinary character (e.g., involving collaboration with data science or psychology) or be fully focused on the business literature.

 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).

• A setup in which your initiative and input are strongly valued;
• training and courses in innovation and quantitative methods as well as academic writing
• an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues;
• collaboration opportunities in vibrant research labs;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment at the center of the Amsterdam Innovation Ecosystem.

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 September 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.

• Master’s degree in business administration/management, psychology, 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.