CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2026/27 ENTRY IS NOW AVAILABLE
The call for applications and further information on how to apply are available on the dedicated webpage.
Applicants for a PhD position can use the overview of the current research interests of the Doctoral Programme Committee members.
The Programme at a glance
- Duration of the programme: 3 years
- Courses will be taught in English
- Campuses: Trento and Bozen-Bolzano
- Stay abroad: 4 to 6 months at renowned research institutions
Overview
This programme, jointly offered by the University of Trento and theFree University of Bozen-Bolzano, aims to equip talented young people with the mindset and principles of responsible management and sustainable leadership, preparing them to contribute to a better future world and economy by balancing social, ecological, and economic aspects appropriately.
The programme invites Master's graduates to explore, learn, and grow in a vibrant environment. Our PhD students benefit from the resources and capabilities of two universities, inspiring collaborations and exciting networking opportunities.
As a PhD student in our programme, you will be mentored and taught by engaged, experienced, and research-active senior and junior academic staff. Our joint faculty brings together experts from a range of disciplines, offering a distinctive and comprehensive approach to responsible management research.
A wide range of educational opportunities - from research seminars delivered by national and international scholars to workshops for early-career researchers will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement your own research projects and to excel in your chosen field.
Moreover, being part of our community means connecting with a broad and strong network of national and international scholars and institutions that offer support, guidance, and opportunities for professional development.
Our vision is to be an internationally recognised hub for excellent and responsible management research, shaping future scholars who generate rigorous, innovative, and impactful knowledge that integrates economic viability with social and environmental responsibility for the benefit of organisations and society.
The mission of this joint PhD programme is to equip highly talented researchers for academic and research-driven careers through interdisciplinary, ethically grounded, and internationally embedded doctoral training. The programme fosters independent scholarship, scientific integrity, and creativity to advance responsible management research and education.
The core objectives of the Joint PhD programme in Management are:
- develop internationally competitive scholars with strong theoretical, methodological, and analytical expertise in management,
- advance high-quality, original research addressing major societal and organisational challenges through responsible management,
- combine broad foundational training, individualised specialisation, and advanced research skills,
- promote interdisciplinary and international research,
- cultivate ethical research conduct,
- critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual autonomy through close mentoring, and
- prepare graduates for academic careers and research-intensive positions in public, private, and international organisations.
One specific feature of this programme is that you will have two tutors/supervisors: one from Bozen-Bolzano and one from Trento. This dual supervision structure is beneficial because:
- Scope of expertise: You gain exposure to a wider range of knowledge and perspectives from two distinct research environments.
- Networking opportunities: You become part of two different professional networks, expanding your academic connections.
- Support and guidance: Access to different perspectives allows you to consider alternative viewpoints and refine your work.
- Opportunities for collaboration: Co-supervision can lead to increased interaction between your supervisors, which may ultimately result in joint publications and enhanced research impact.
The joint programme is inspired by the principles of responsible management education and research. It aims at developing theoretical and applied research in business and management sciences through the acquisition of specialised skills and competencies.
Our faculty's research focuses on decision-making and behaviour within and by organisations at different levels of analysis and in different contexts (e.g., start-ups, SMEs, multinational corporations, cooperatives). The following areas are of particular interest for investigating the practical application of sustainability and responsible management:
- Entrepreneurship and innovation management
- Application of advanced information and communication technologies, including AI
- Organisation design and human resource management
- Tourism, hospitality, and regional development
- Strategy and knowledge management
- Accounting and accountability
Applicants for a PhD position can use the overview of current research interests of the Doctoral Programme Committee.
