G-RISE: Gendered Rural Innovation System Evolution – a longitudinal study (SETU_2024_237)

Project Key Words:  female rural innovator, rural innovation, dynamic capability, Living Lab

Post summary

Support in the development of innovation capabilities is considered pivotal in developing gendered rural innovation systems. The development of such capabilities is often supported by university-led facilitated cooperative learning strategies. Little is known about how female rural innovators transition from facilitated cooperative learning strategies (e.g., a Living Lab) to form and maintain rural innovation systems in their own communities. This longitudinal interpretive research project turns a dynamic innovation capability lens on a gendered rural innovation system in Ireland. The SETU scholar will track rural female innovators’ post-lab learning evolution and analyse their G-RISE experience, through intermittent interviews with a number of Living Lab Ireland participants, prolonged observation and subsequent analysis of the G-RISE experience in order to gain an in-depth understanding of; (a) sustainable benefit of the living lab experience, and (b) how the lab’s female rural innovators might use their new-found innovation capabilities to help develop gendered rural innovation systems in their respective business communities. A key theoretical contribution is a G-RISE framework, a tool that will offer guidance to rural female innovators and academics, and rural stakeholders and practitioners interested in gendered rural innovation systems. Insights into optimised G-RISE support mechanisms at national level will contribute to rural regional policy development.

Knowledge & Experience

 Essential

·        An interest in and some knowledge of academic research and what it entails for the researcher.

·        Demonstrable knowledge and experience in at least one of the following: rural innovation, female innovation, Living Labs, interpretive method, small business management and/or sociology.

 Desirable

·        Relevant professional experience in rural communities and/or facilitated cooperative learning environments (e.g., Living Labs or innovation networks).

·        Experience and understanding of qualitative methods of data collection.

·        A demonstrable competence in academic theory in dynamic capabilities, female innovation, rural innovation.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

·        Applicants should hold, as a minimum, a 2.1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Business or Social Science related areas at undergraduate or professional level.

·        Applicants should have demonstrable experience in conducting research at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. 

·        Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate on application that they meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide all necessary documentation. See Page 7 of the Code of Practice

·        In order to be shortlisted for interview, you must meet the SETU English speaking requirements so please provide evidence in your application. 

·        Aptitude for project planning and management.

·        Ability to build rapport with project stakeholders.

·        Communication and presentation skills (written and verbal).

·        Teamwork and group facilitation skills.

·        Self-motivation, time management skills and focus to fulfil the research process.

Desirable

·        Applicants should hold or expect to attain a Master’s Degree in Business, Social Science or related discipline.

·        Applicants who have relevant postgraduate research experience.

·        Experience and/or training in qualitative research methods.

Application procedure

Download the Research PhD/MSc Application Form from the SETU website and return the completed application to researchadmissions@setu.ie  quoting SETU_2024_237 in the email subject line.

Please note that paper submissions will not be accepted.