ESRC DTP Strategic Joint Studentship: Trade Policy, Sustainable Value Chains and Reshoring: National and Regional Perspectives from the UK

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent.

We are now inviting applications for an ESRC Strategic Joint Studentship between University of Birmingham (where the student will be registered) and Aston University to commence in October 2026.

Recently, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) introduced policies aimed not only at reducing pollution but also reshaping Global Value Chains (GVCs) by encouraging the reshoring of certain offshore production activities. These policies seek to reduce carbon leakage, which occurs when domestic firms offshore carbon intensive activities from economies with strict environmental regulations to countries with lax rules, and then import these carbon intensive products back to developed countries. The development of these policies in the EU and the UK could have substantial effects on British companies and for the ability of UK regions to attract FDIs.

This project will investigate the impact of sustainability-focused trade policies on the growth and location decision of British businesses. It brings together international trade, environmental economics and industrial policy. Evidence will be generated using firm-level data and ownership information on UK multinationals and their subsidiaries. The successful candidate will contribute to a growing field with direct policy relevance and strong academic potential.

Person Specification

We are looking for a highly talented and dedicated PhD student. Candidates must have a strong academic background in the field of economics, or a closely related discipline. A Master’s degree (with distinction/merit) is desirable. Previous experience with analysing large dataset using statistical and econometric software (e.g., Python, R, Stata) is also desirable.

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Strategic Joint Studentship application form available online via the;'Apply' button above. Applicants will be required to upload an anonymised CV, anonymised cover letter, and transcripts as part of the online application process.

Application deadline: 26/02/2026

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/.

Informal enquiries about the research or the Department of Management at the Birmingham Business School prior to application can be directed to Professor Sami Bensassi (s.bensassi@bham.ac.uk)

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