Joint PhD Programme

UNU Maastricht Economic and Social Reserach Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (MGSoG)

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Joint PhD Programme UNU-Merit and MGSoG

This joint PhD programme is a multidisciplinary course offered by the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (MGSoG) and United Nations University Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), providing advanced training in the knowledge and skills most relevant to public policy analysis and the economics of technology and innovation. Built around core courses for all PhD fellows, the programme offers training in research skills and methods, as well as specialized courses in governance and the economics of technology. The programme has two specializations leading to the PPPA at MGSoG, or EPSTC at UNU-MERIT. In both cases the PhD is accredited by Maastricht University. During their first year, students complete a basic compulsory training programme conducted by leading scholars of the host and partner universities. These courses are taught in Maastricht and spread across two semesters. The programme trains students to become both scholars and practitioners in the fields of governance and the economics of technology. The focus of both the training and research aspects of the programme is on making systems economically, financially and socially more sustainable. A core objective of the programme is to create a critical mass of researchers, specialized in governance, social protection and social policy, innovation, technology and development, who are able to become leading researchers in the field and to provide advice based on sound results. The PhD programme is a three-year Maastrichtbased programme taught in English. It starts on 1st September each year.

Degree
At the end of the programme, the doctoral degree will be awarded by Maastricht University upon successful defence of the thesis.

The Host Institute

UNU-MERIT and MGSoG together form a research and training centre of United Nations University (UNU). UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training and the dissemination of knowledge aimed at resolving the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare. The centre is based in Maastricht in southeast Netherlands, and is part of the University of Maastricht. The institutes research mission is to provide new insights into the economic, social and political aspects of growth and development in local and international contexts. Its research and training programmes address a broad range of questions including the economics of technology and innovation, national and international governance, intellectual property protection, social protection policy, knowledge creation and diffusion, and migration. We actively participate in research projects for international organizations, governments, businesses, and foundations throughout the world. UNU-MERIT plays a particular role in the United Nations as a research unit concerned with the analysis of technological change. The institute has a long history of conducting applied research for organizations such as the European Commission, the International Development Research Centre and various national governments. Researchers at UNU-MERIT are internationally recognized for their contributions to the understanding of the economic, political, social and philosophical foundations of the processes of technical change. MGSoG has a history of project implementation for various international institutions including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, ILO and national governments, focusing in particular on social policy and migration developments.

Programme Information
Our PhD programme is designed to provide advanced training in the knowledge and skills that are relevant not only to basic research in a variety of fields linked to economics, technology and governance, but also to policy analysis including policy design, policy monitoring and policy evaluation. You will follow an individualized plan that outlines your requirements for completion of the programme. This plan takes into account your educational and professional background and research interests, and is agreed upon with the programme committee at the start of the course programme as well as with your supervisory team in subsequent years of the programme.

Training Programme
During the first year, you will complete a basic compulsory training programme conducted by members of our faculty and visitors from leading institutions in the field. The courses are offered in Maastricht and divided into two semesters. Semester one contains a selection of courses to be taken by all fellows. In semester two, a selection of specialization courses is offered, and fellows will select their individual course programme, based on background knowledge, need and interest.

Course Descriptions
PhD Research Methods The course has three objectives. First, students will be acquainted with the broad range of research methods and learn the potential advantages and disadvantages of various methods. Second, this course aims to familiarize students with the different phases of research and typical problems encountered in these phases, and offer an opportunity for learning the principles of research design. Moreover, we will emphasise which issues on research design need to be dealt with in research proposals. The course is based on interactive lectures, information sessions and applied sessions, in which the students need to relate their current research ideas to the issues discussed. The textbook and articles from the research literature will be used to confront students with typical problems of research methods. Discussions allow students to gain insights into these problems and to identify potential solutions. During discussions we point to the interdependences and trade-offs among various options and help the student to learn how to make realistic choices. Ultimately the student should have sufficient knowledge and skills to understand what it takes to independently set up and conduct a research study. The emphasis of the course will be on the logic of research and the requirements of research design. Most issues addressed are generic and appear throughout the field of social sciences. The applications used in this course are mainly studies conducted at MGSoG. Economics of Networks The goal of this course is to introduce students to the relatively new field of networks. The modelling of economic activity using social network analysis tools can be very useful in furthering understanding of a wide variety of phenomena. Our interest will focus in particular on how network analysis can shed light on innovation and knowledge creation and diffusion. The course is taught simultaneously in two locations, Maastricht and Strasbourg, via a video link. Half the lectures will be given in Maastricht and half in Strasbourg, each time with a video link to the other location. This has worked (surprisingly) well for the past two years, so we continue the experiment.

Innovation and Growth in the Global Economy This course covers topics including: the global economy, Basics of Economic Growth, Capital Flows, Knowledge and Uneven Development, Endogenous Growth, Growth in Asia and Latin-America, Endogenous and Divergent Growth, Globalization, Economic Crisis and Growth, Growth in an Open Economy, Perspectives on Dynamic Economic Theory, Alternative and Equivalent Growth Models. Basic Econometrics The challenge of econometrics is to find out what everyday reality, properly recorded and interpreted, can tell us about the relevance of economic and social theories. Governance theories often concern the effects of economic and social policies, and it is the purpose of econometric methods to measure the impact and assess the effectiveness of policy interventions. The drawback of econometric methods is that they depend on statistical induction. Besides being fraught with technicalities, statistical induction is unavoidably subject to statistical error. Whereas a mathematical conclusion is arguably exact, a statistical conclusion is not even though deep mathematical arguments may have been invoked in the process. Thus every decent statistical estimate comes with a standard error attached to it, revealing the scale of the sampling error it contains. Furthermore, ordinary sampling error is insignificant compared to other kinds of statistical error, called (imaginatively) non-sampling errors. These are much harder to control and require more subtle methods of statistical analysis. Unfortunately non-sampling errors are conspicuously present in economic and social policy research. The subject matter of this course is the use of (mainstream) econometric methods in economic and social policy research. Some prior exposure to econometrics at least at an introductory level is assumed. This should include the mathematical formulation of economic theories as well as the concept of a statistical model. The course explicitly aims to combine theoretical insight with empirical practice and group activity. Participants will study the theory, read about applications, process data using econometric software (Stata or EViews), prepare a presentation and conduct discussions. Hence a lot of personal involvement and social commitment will be required. A willingness to think formally and get ones hands dirty is essential. Economics and Econometrics of Innovation This module starts with an introduction and overview: goals and methodologies for empirical micro studies, connecting theory to empirical work. The module continues with productivity measurement and R&D; production functions and frontiers; measuring TFP correcting for scale effects and non-optimal input holding. Then we estimate the returns to R&D using production functions, including R&D capital in production functions; estimation using static and dynamic panel data models. Estimating R&D externalities, inter- and intra-industry spillovers; international spillovers; notions of rent and knowledge spillovers; measurements of proximity; geographical spillovers. Measurement and estimation of determinants of innovation, Innovation survey data; qualitative indicators; accounting for innovation. Then we look at complementarities in innovation and the effectiveness of R&D tax incentives before estimating the returns to R&D using market value. Intellectual property and incentives for innovation are also important in this course which we conclude with using patents as economic indicators hours. Economic Growth and Socio-economic Development This course focuses on the empirical analysis of technological progress, economic growth and socio-economic development in developing countries. The aim of the course is to analyse the position of developing countries in the global economy, with regard to technology, industrial development and overall levels of socio-economic development. Thus, it brings into discussion some critical issues such as international diffusion of technology, technology gaps, absorptive capacities, catching up and leapfrogging and changes in developmental outcomes such as health and education. The course opens with two sessions on long run-trends in economic development and industrialization as a (potential) engine of growth and the emergence of manufacturing in developing countries since 1950. This is followed by two sessions focusing on the measurement and analysis of productivity and technological change in manufacturing. We proceed with a session on country case studies of industrial development and sessions devoted to topics such as health, education and institutions.

Public Policy Evaluation

A theory of policy politics must start with a model of political society, that is, a model of the simplest version of society that retains the essential elements of politics. Polis the Greek word for city-state, seems a fitting name for the essential political society because it conjures up an entity small enough to have very simple forms of organization yet large enough to embody the elements of politics. In searching for the elements of politics, it is helpful to use the market model as a foil because of its predominance in contemporary policy discussions. The contrast between models of political and market society will illuminate the ways the market model grossly distorts political life. (Stone, Deborah 2002)
One might argue that this is just one way of looking at policy politics and there potentially can be other debates or perspectives to this. In addition, there is no doubt that we are regularly bombarded by conflicting views of public politics and problems. It can be difficult to sort out which (if any) of the solutions proffered by politicians, academics, civil society, pundits, and supra-statal organizations will resolve various global problems in a way which is consistent with our values and which provide viable solutions or effective implementation. Understanding the nature of public problems and how they are (or are not) resolved is essential to informed participation in these policy debates, especially when we are called to make choices (at the ballot box). At this point you may be thinking: what exactly is public policy? Public policy is what state apparatuses (officials) within a government, and by extension citizens (for whom polices are made, implemented, and carried out) represent, choose to do or not to do about public problems. Public problems include access to healthcare, education, and other basic needs; environmental degradation; work-related problems, etc; relating to conditions the people broadly perceived to be unacceptable/undesirable and therefore require intervention. Although people define their problems, the government decides which problems to address based on the most immediate priorities. Then policy researchers, who aim to offer practical advice and solutions based on the best evidence, try to convince policy makers to have the policies implemented, monitor if they are carried out effectively, and if not suggest alternatives. Therefore having the right policy prescription is one of the key components of policy making and implementation. Also key is an understanding of the political environment of policy and policy research. So as policy researchers, like you, it is essential to know how policies are set, who are the actors, what roles they play and how, understanding public policy politics, policy implementation, controversies of policies and alternatives or the key to success.

The Dissertation At the end of the first nine months, you will present a research proposal and a detailed research plan for the remaining part of the fellowship. In defining your research topic, you will be guided by the staff of the institute, the teaching staff and partners of the research network. Supervision during the entire project will be given by a specific team of senior researchers who can provide the required expertise to guide and oversee your research. During the following years, you will research and write your dissertation. The programme is full-time, based in Maastricht. As many students do empirical research based on other countries, students often spend time abroad doing field work.

Teaching Methods
Courses are offered in a dynamic setting: the programme uses interactive learning including workshops, lectures and discussion sessions. Each teacher in the programme offers a mode of instruction suitable for the course, and each course is examined in an appropriate manner. Skills Trainings During the programme, you can participate in skills trainings that build your research and analytical skills. These include: research methodology and applications; technical skills needed for research (software skills); research project implementation and publication; communication and presentation of findings; application of research findings to government policy Research Community Balancing a career, family and academic studies is challenging. As a participant of the PhD programme you will be fully integrated into the research community of MGSoG / UNU-MERIT. The community includes in-house PhD fellows and academic staff and dual career PhD fellows.

Key Lecturers
The programme brings together scholars with various disciplinary backgrounds from leading institutes across the world and practitioners from policy oriented organizations in order to initiate new research, contribute to current research and train young researchers. The faculty of the PhD programme comprises: Prof. Anthony Arundel, UNU-MERIT Prof. Dr. Thophile Azomahou, Maastricht University Dr. Boris Blumberg, Maastricht Univeristy Dr. Victor Cebotari, Maastricht University Dr. Sutapa Chattopadhyay, Maastricht University Prof. Dr. Daniele Checchi, University of Milan, Italy Prof. Dr. Robin Cowan, Maastricht University Dr. Sebastian Dellepiane, Research Fellow, University College Dublin, Ireland Dr. Arnaud Dupuy, Maastricht School of Management Dr. Franziska Gassmann, Maastricht University Dr. Mulu Gebreeyesus, UNU-MERIT Prof. dr. Peter Heller, The Johns Hopkins University, USA Alan Hirsch, Deputy Director General, The Presidency, South Africa Dr. Jojo Jacob, UNU-MERIT Dr. Lutz Krebs, Maastricht University Dr. Mindel van de Laar, Maastricht University Prof. Dr. Pierre Mohnen, Maastricht University. Prof. Cathal O Donoghue, Teagasc Rural Economy Research Centre, Carlow, Ireland Prof. Dr. Shyama Ramani, Maastricht University Gerald Silverberg, UNU-MERIT Dr. Tatiana Skripka, Maastricht University Dr. Elspeth Slayter, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Salem State University Prof. Dr. Luc Soete, UNU-MERIT Prof. Dr. Adam Szirmai, Maastricht University Prof. Dr. Bart Verspagen, Maastricht University Dr. Adriaan van Zon, Maastricht University Dr. Pascal Beckers, PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency

International Profile We leverage the academic resources of Maastricht University and our strong international network. Experts from universities and international organizations come from around the world to share their expertise with students by teaching courses and giving workshops and lectures. The institutes large international academic network is also used to provide internship possibilities for our students. About 80 per cent of the fellows and researchers at UNU-MERIT / Maastricht Graduate School of Governance come from outside the Netherlands. They come from over 55 countries around the world (as shown in the graph below). This diversity results in a stimulating blend of country-specific knowledge and individual experience. In seminars and in the classroom, fellows are exposed to many different views and ways of approaching ideas and topics.

Language The language of instruction for the programme is English. For students who are non-native Englishspeakers, the programmes English curriculum will strengthen your command of the language and prepare you for a career in an international environment.

Research Activities at the Institute

Seminar Series UNU-MERIT and Maastricht Graduate School of Governance organize a range of activities designed to stimulate academic debate, disseminate research findings, and facilitate knowledge sharing among researchers and policymakers. The institutes host regular workshops and training courses as part of their research and policy analysis programme. Visit our calendar of events. The institute hosts many occasional workshops, to which fellows are invited to attend. Metech is a seminar series where fellows from UNU-MERIT and MGSoG help other fellows in an informal manner, sharing research-based software and particular research methodologies that might be useful in their academic life Student Profile We welcome students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to participate in the programme. We are looking for students with a Masters degree and strong academic records, professional and/or volunteer experience, affiliation with academic research and a special interest in public policy, innovation and development. We welcome fellows from all over the world, with a wide variety of cultures and disciplines. Career Prospects The programme brings together scholars with various disciplinary backgrounds from leading institutes across the world and practitioners from policy oriented organizations in order to initiate new research, contribute to current research and train young researchers. The programme gives graduates the skills to function as professionals in many challenging environments. Our PhD fellows go on to work as: academics government staff policy specialists political analysts politicians They often work in EU and other international organizations and for NGOs.

Admission Requirements a Masters degree from a relevant academic field, including: - economics, - international relations, political science, law, social sciences, business administration, health sciences or public health basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics, which is measured by reviewing the content and level of previous studies and/or working experience basic knowledge of economics, social sciences, political science and/or law, which is measured by reviewing the content and level of previous studies and/or working experience proficiency in English, with a minimum level of 600 PBT / 240 CBT / 100 IBT for the TOEFL or 7.0 for the IELTS (native speakers of English and students who received their Bachelors or Masters education in English are exempt). Maastricht Universitys TOEFL code is 7102. In addition to filling in the online application form, applicants must submit the following: Application Requirements certified copies of your certificates and grades and an explanation of the grading system proof of English proficiency motivation letter of 400 500 words two letters of recommendation (in English only) by current or former professors or employers one-page essay indicating the topic of research interest curriculum vitae copy of your passport passport size photo full information about your present study and/or job We prefer to receive the documents as follows: Essay, motivation letter and CV: by e-mail Passport and picture: by e-mail (as scanned pictures) Recommendation letters, directly from the reviewers to the programme diplomas and transcripts: electronic copies initially and later on hard copies by postal mail

Application & Admission

Tuition & Scholarships

For students who enrol in the PhD programme in the 2012-2013 academic year, the following tuition fees are applicable: Year 1 Subsequent years 7,000 2,500

The tuition fees include all programme related costs. This excludes books, specific research costs, travel costs and accommodation and visa or residence permit costs. Scholarships Each year we will distribute a limited number of scholarships among the accepted fellows. However, due to limited funds, we encourage students to apply for a variety of other scholarships. For more information you can visit the scholarships pages of the university website. You can also check for grants and scholarships at grantfinder.nl. If you do not receive a scholarship from UNU, or from another funding agency, we will ask for proof of sufficient funding before accepting you on to the programme. The basic cost of living in the table below is around 1000 euro per month. We will ask you to indicate to us how you will fund your 36 months of enrolment in the programme, as part of the acceptance requirement. You will not need to include this proof in your application; we will contact you in case we need the information.

For the Recruitment of Researcher The code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers consists of a set of general principles and requirements that should be followed by employers and/or funders when appointing or recruiting researchers. These principles and requirements should ensure observance of values such as transparency of the recruitment process and equal treatment of all applicants, in particular with regard to the development of an attractive, open and sustainable European labour market for researchers, and are complementary to those outlined in the European Charter for Researchers. Institutions and employers adhering to the Code of Conduct will openly demonstrate their commitment to act in a responsible and respectable way and to provide fair framework conditions to researchers, with a clear intention to contribute to the advancement of the European Research Area. Residence Permit PhD fellows coming from countries other than those in Western Europe, and Japan, and staying for more than 90 days in the Netherlands are required before they come to the Netherlands to obtain authorization for temporary residence (MVV). Should a visa be required, the visa office of Maastricht University will submit a request for authorization to the Ministry of Justice as soon as possible upon acceptance to the programme. Note that a residence permit will be issued only if the correct procedure was followed in the home country. All PhD fellows coming from abroad and staying for more than 90 days in the Netherlands are required to report upon arrival to the municipality of Maastricht (aliens department) in order to obtain a residence permit and for registration. The Knowledge Centre for International Staff (KCIS) will help you with these issues once you are registered at Maastricht University. Insurance According to Dutch law, all foreign PhD fellows must have health and liability insurance. PhD fellows may make their own arrangements (coverage by your home insurance) or opt to take insurance offered through UNU-MERIT/MGSoG, at a cost of 36.50 euro per month. This insurance covers, among other things, medical and dental expenses and liability. If you have private healthcare insurance in your home country, you might want to find out whether your policy also covers your medical bills in the Netherlands. If not, you will need to take out Dutch insurance. Average Living Costs (in Euro)

Code of Conduct

Life in Maastricht
Maastricht is considered one of the most beautiful and safest cities in the Netherlands. Its also compact, lively and very international, which makes it a fantastic place for students. Accommodation It can be difficult to find suitable accommodation in Maastricht. Although the Housing Office of Maastricht University will assist in finding a room or apartment, PhD fellows are advised to come to Maastricht prior to the start of the course (sometime during August) to look into the possibilities for housing themselves. All PhD fellows must finance their own living costs. The average monthly rent for a modest student room (in a student house) in the Maastricht area is approximately 300400 euros. One-bedroom apartments are between 350-450 euros. Unlike many other Dutch cities, Maastricht does not have a long waiting list for student housing, but still we advise you to start looking for accommodation before the beginning of the academic year. Your search for suitable student housing in Maastricht starts at Maastrichthousing.com Maastrichthousing is a cooperation between two student housing organizations: Guesthouse UM and Kamerburo. Their goal is to find accommodation for students, employees and guests from Maastricht University, Hogeschool Zuyd and Jan van Eyck Academie. Short Stay Accommodation Guesthouse UM offers furnished rooms and studios especially suited for exchange students and/or Master students doing a one-year programme. No registration fee is required. Long Stay Accommodation Kamerburo offers mainly unfurnished rooms and studios/apartments, mostly with shared facilities (kitchen and/or bathroom). The studios and apartments in student houses have their own facilities. Kamerburo requires a registration fee of 30 euros.

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University Restaurants Maastricht University has two restaurants, called mensa, where students and staff can eat at an affordable price. They serve hot and cold meals, snacks, salads and more. One is located in the city centre, and the other is on the Randwyck campus. A hot meal costs around 4 euros. Theme weeks are organized on a regular basis, for example devoted to Italian, Greek, Chinese or even art cooking. University Library The Maastricht University Library offers students more than just a collection of books. Beyond its outstanding collection, it is also a place for students to come together and make use of its Learning and Resource Centres, either individually or in groups. Because the university campuses are located in two parts of the city, there are two libraries: one in the inner city and one in Randwyck. These are open every day including on weekends until late in the evening. Learning and Resource Centres The University Library fulfils the requirements of our time. The Learning and Resource Centres one at each library location play an important role in this. In close consultation with the faculties this student environment is especially designed to support the universitys prized educational system: Problem-Based Learning. In the Learning and Resource Centres you will find: a variety of rooms for individual and group work, with or without computers more than 1300 ergonomically designed study areas, many of them equipped with computers a wireless network and laptop outlets a collection of course books put together by tutors (these are not on loan, but are permanently available as a reference collection) special collections such as audiovisual material and anatomical models An extensive course package is offered to help you search for, process and apply information. Student Desktop The Student Desktop enables you to access the library software from home or anywhere else in the world via an internet connection. All programmes and files are available on a central server, so it does not matter where you are or when you log on: your own virtual study environment is available anywhere, anytime. eLibrary The librarys eLibrary makes electronic sources of information available for education and research purposes. Some of these quality sources would otherwise require a fee, so you would not be able to access them via for instance Google. eLibrary, however, provides speedy access not just to all available electronic files and journals, but also to catalogues of books and hardcopy journals. The eLibrary is available 24/7 from any location. Sports Given the landscape in Maastricht and its surrounding region the Limburg hills, the river Maas, the Zuid-Willemsvaart, and the Belgian Ardennes sports are an important part of life here. Maastricht University (UM) offers its students numerous opportunities to keep fit. These include sports for teams or individuals, recreational sports or sports at a more professional level. Even professional athletes are offered every opportunity to combine their passion for sports with their studies at UM. Based on the training facilities available, the high level of performance of students and research possibilities, UM in cooperation with the exercise science department decided to support the following five sport activities: climbing, cycling, field hockey, rowing and running.

UM SPORT Maastricht Universitys sports organization, UM SPORT, offers a broad sports programme to students. Students paying a small annual contribution can take part in numerous activities ranging from yoga to basketball, and from rowing to dancing. Activities take place on several locations in Maastricht and a lot of them can be practised at Sports Centre Randwyck, a temporary sports complex including a modern gym, an indoor cycling room, a dojo and two major sports halls. MUSST Sports Council If you wish to participate in group sports, you can join one of the 23 student sports associations in Maastricht. As a member of such an association, youll find it easy to meet people and to become involved in sports in a different way. All the student sports associations are supported by the umbrella organization UM Student Sports Council (MUSST). Its activities include the coordination of major sporting events such as the Dutch national student championships and the Batavierenrace, the largest student relay race in the Netherlands. Cultural Activities There are several organisations active in the area of art and culture at Maastricht University: Studium Generale Art and Heritage Commission Student Theatre Association Alles is Drama Lets Dance Tafelstraat 13 University Choir University Orchestra Cultural commission of Studentassociation KoKo Tuna de Maastricht Pass in Maastricht

Check the Maastrichtnet website for more information. See also activities for non-Dutch speakers. Of course there is more to do for students and staff in Maastricht. Most activities are in Dutch, but many other events are in English, such as musical events and films. Check the programmes of: Studium Generale Vrijthof Theatre Lumire Cinema Bonnefantenmuseum Students paying a small annual contribution can take part in numerous activities ranging from yoga to basketball, and from rowing to dancing. Activities take place on several locations in Maastricht and a lot of them can be practiced at Sports Centre Randwyck, a temporary sports complex including a modern gym, an indoor cycling room, a dojo an two major sports halls. More Information For more information on studying at Maastricht University, such as available facilities, getting a visa, etc, please go to the general information for PhDs. Brochures You can request our brochure to be sent by post, email or direct download by filling in the request form or send an e-mail to PhDprogramme@merit.unu.edu Contact Ph.D. Programme Directors: Professor Dr. Robin Cowan and Dr. Mindel van de Laar Ph.D. Programme Coordinator: Eveline in de Braek Phone: (+31 43) 388 4449 email: PhDprogramme@merit.unu.edu Address: Keizer Karelplein 19 6211 TC Maastricht The Netherlands Tel:+ 31 (0)43 388 4400 Fax: +31 (0)43 388 4499 Directions to the Institute: