For ambitious researchers eager to explore the evolving intersection of intellectual property (IP), entrepreneurship, and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) is offering a prestigious four-year fully funded Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) PhD studentship. Starting January 5, 2026, this unique opportunity empowers doctoral candidates to conduct impactful research while gaining real academic teaching experience an invaluable foundation for a future career in academia or research-intensive roles.
Applications are open until 17 November 2025, making this an excellent opportunity for master’s graduates ready to take the next major step toward research excellence.
Why This PhD Studentship Matters
The global innovation landscape is shifting rapidly. SMEs and startups are increasingly encountering complex intellectual property challenges driven by:
- Accelerating technological change
- Digitalisation and AI-driven transformation
- Evolving global markets and IP enforcement regimes
- Competitive pressure to innovate, differentiate, and protect knowledge
This PhD studentship gives you the chance to explore these changes deeply and generate research that speaks to both academic and industry challenges. As a researcher, you will also join the Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship (BCfE) a dynamic hub for cutting-edge entrepreneurship studies and become part of the School’s Strategy, International Business and Entrepreneurship Group, where collaboration with world-class academics and PhD scholars is an integral part of your training.
About the Fully Funded GTF Opportunity
The University of Liverpool’s Management School welcomes candidates to undertake a four-year PhD focused on how SMEs strategically manage and leverage intellectual property to innovate, grow, and compete. Beyond full financial support, this studentship provides carefully balanced experience in research and teaching.
What Makes This Programme Unique?
- Full doctoral fee coverage for all four years
- Annual tax-free maintenance grant of £20,780
- Graduate Teaching Fellowship responsibilities, allowing you to develop real teaching experience
- £700 yearly research allowance from Year 2
- Access to additional doctoral support, including conferences and training opportunities
- Direct supervision from renowned professors specialising in IP strategy, innovation management, international business, and entrepreneurship
The combination of research, academic training, and teaching ensures that GTF scholars leave the programme as well-rounded professionals ready for competitive academic and research careers.
Research Focus Areas
Candidates may apply for one of two structured research projects, or propose a related topic under the overarching theme of “Rethinking IP and Entrepreneurship.” Each project investigates how SMEs navigate IP strategy, innovation, value creation, and business model evolution in environments shaped by digital disruption and globalisation.
Supervision is provided by:
- Professor Nikolaos Papageorgiadis – Expertise in IP management, international business, and appropriability mechanisms
- Professor Wolfgang Sofka – Research focus on innovation strategy and competitive dynamics
- Professor Robert Blackburn – Leading academic in SMEs, entrepreneurship, and small business management
Together, these scholars bring cross-disciplinary expertise essential for navigating the complexities of IP and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Project 1: Strategic IP Management and Business Model Innovation in SMEs
This project investigates how entrepreneurial firms build and use IP strategies within fast-changing technological landscapes. With industries constantly reshaped by AI, digital tools, and interconnected ecosystems, SMEs must carefully navigate questions around knowledge protection, competitive positioning, and collaboration.
Key Research Themes May Include:
- Strategic IP decision-making around patents, trade secrets and informal protection mechanisms
- How SMEs interact with stakeholders IP advisors, legal experts, ecosystem partners to shape strategic outcomes
- Influence of technological disruption (AI, automation, digital platforms) on IP advisory models
- Emerging ecosystems of knowledge protection and their impact on entrepreneurial decision-making
- Cross-industry and cross-country comparisons of IP and innovation strategies
- Development of organisational capabilities that enable better IP management and innovation
This project is ideal for candidates passionate about innovation management, strategy, and the changing role of IP in entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Project 2: Entrepreneurship and IP Strategy in the Creative Industries
Creative sectors such as music, arts, film, design, gaming, and digital media are facing new challenges and opportunities as AI and digitalisation transform how content is created, protected, and commercialised.
This project explores how startups and SMEs navigate IP in a world where AI-generated content, digital distribution, and shifting value-capture models are rewriting traditional business logic.
Possible Research Questions:
- How do entrepreneurs in creative industries interpret and apply copyright, trademarks, and other IP tools?
- How do creative SMEs adapt their business models to protect and monetise content in an AI-driven environment?
- How do differences in global IP enforcement regimes shape entrepreneurial strategy?
- How do founders assess risk and uncertainty around ownership, value generation, and content distribution?
- To what extent do creative entrepreneurs rely on informal IP protection mechanisms due to lack of legal knowledge or resources?
- What role do AI technologies play in reshaping creative value chains?
The project may involve qualitative interviews, field studies, or mixed-method approaches to understand strategic behaviour in creative ventures.
Who Should Apply?
This fully funded PhD studentship is well suited for individuals with:
Academic Background
- A UK master’s degree (or international equivalent) in Business, Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Strategy, or a related field
- Preferably a merit or distinction grade
Ideal Candidates Will Have:
- Strong motivation to conduct research in IP, entrepreneurship, innovation, or SMEs
- Interest in hands-on academic development, including teaching
- Analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills suitable for doctoral-level study
- Curiosity about how real-world SMEs navigate IP and innovation challenges
International applicants are welcome, provided they meet English language requirements and supply passport details.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation, especially the two-page research interest statement.
Step 1: Contact the Supervisors
Reach out to any of the supervisory team to discuss your research interests and suitability:
- Professor Robert Blackburn – Robert.Blackburn@liverpool.ac.uk
- Professor Nikolaos Papageorgiadis – nickp@liverpool.ac.uk
- Professor Wolfgang Sofka – wolfgang.sofka@liverpool.ac.uk
This initial contact is strongly recommended to ensure alignment with the project’s goals.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents
Your application must include:
Two-page research interest statement
This replaces a formal research proposal and must:
- Engage with one or both of the proposed project themes
- Identify research questions for up to three potential studies
- Reference at least five academic papers from top journals (e.g., SMJ, Research Policy, AMJ, JIBS, JBV)
- Outline possible methods (qualitative, quantitative, econometric, mixed-methods, etc.)
Academic transcripts & certificates
Passport details (for international applicants)
English language certification (if required)
Personal statement explaining your motivation and suitability
CV
Two referees with signed references on institutional letterhead
Step 3: Submit Your Online Application
When applying:
- Select Management Studies – Doctor in Philosophy (PhD)
- Under Finance, choose Sponsor and enter PHD-BRETT-ULMS-2025
- Include PHD-BRETT-ULMS-2025 at the top of your personal statement
You must complete the online application before 1 pm (UK time) on 17 November 2025.
After review:
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in early December
- Successful applicants will be notified by the end of December
Funding Package
If awarded the GTF PhD studentship, you will receive:
Full tuition fee coverage (4 years)
Annual maintenance grant of £20,780 (tax-free)
Higher education teaching training and teaching practice
£700 annual research allowance (from Year 2)
Additional doctoral support including conference funding
This studentship provides everything you need to pursue advanced research without financial concerns making it a life-changing opportunity for anyone dedicated to academic excellence.
Why This PhD Can Transform Your Career
This fully funded PhD is more than an academic qualification it is a launchpad for a research-intensive career.
You gain:
- Advanced expertise in IP, innovation, and entrepreneurship
- Experience working with world-leading academics
- Teaching skills valued across global universities
- Opportunities to publish in top-tier journals
- Participation in conferences and international research networks
- Long-term academic and professional opportunities
For those aspiring to become future scholars, policy experts, innovation consultants, or SME ecosystem strategists, this programme offers a robust starting point.
Need More Information?
If you have questions about the studentship or the application process, you can contact the Postgraduate Research Team at the Management School. They provide guidance on requirements, documentation, and eligibility for both UK and international applicants.
Conclusion
The Fully Funded GTF PhD Studentship in Intellectual Property, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in SMEs at the University of Liverpool is an exceptional opportunity to contribute meaningful research to a rapidly evolving field. Whether your interest lies in understanding startup IP strategy, analysing innovation ecosystems, or exploring how creative industries navigate digital transformation, this programme equips you with the tools, mentorship, and financial support needed to become a future leader in entrepreneurship research.
If you’re ready to shape the next generation of knowledge on IP and innovation, make sure to apply before 17 November 2025.
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