PhD Studentship: MNE Location Choice and Productive Investment in Middle Powers: Structural Positioning, Investor Heterogeneity, and the Durability of Productivity Gains

Prof Jun Du,  Prof Peter Buckley

Application Deadline: 12 June 2026

Details

This PhD investigates how MNEs choose between middle power locations for productive investment, and under what conditions the resulting FDI delivers durable productivity gains. It sits at the intersection of two complementary research programmes: Buckley and Kadethankar's (2026) framework mapping horizontal and vertical interdependence across 35 middle power economies, and Du's (2026) six-dimension competitiveness diagnostic for trade-dependent advanced economies.

The project places FDI as the mediating mechanism between a country's structural positioning and its productivity outcomes. Rather than asking what attracts FDI, it flips the lens to the investor's decision calculus: how do MNEs with different characteristics — sector, nationality, strategic objectives, risk appetite, geopolitical positioning — evaluate and weight the structural conditions of middle power locations? Which investor-location matches actually deliver productive transformation?

The thesis comprises three papers. Paper 1 challenges the undifferentiated 'middle power' category by operationalising six competitiveness dimensions (foundational, productivity, structural, external, strategic, inclusive) across 35 economies and testing whether structurally distinct sub-types predict horizontal and vertical trade orientation patterns in gravity data. Paper 2 maps MNE types by their revealed dimensional preferences using Orbis, Orbis IP, and Orbis Crossborder Investment data combined with Trade Data Monitor bilateral trade flows, then tests whether investor-location match quality predicts productivity outcomes at the firm and sector level. The argument engages with internalisation theory directly, showing that the six dimensions shape the costs and benefits of internalising activities differently depending on investor characteristics. Paper 3 provides a deep UK case study with 15-20 MNE executive interviews in strategic sectors (financial services, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy), using Canada and South Korea as comparative reference points.

Academic Criteria:

Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and

Normally, a Master's degree in a relevant cognate subject normally with an overall average of 65% or above (or overseas equivalent)

English Language:

All applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency:

IELTS test minimum scores - 7.0 overall, 6.5 other sections.

Other tests may be considered.

The application deadline will be Midnight (GMT) on 12/06/26. Apply online for PhD Business and Management.

Under Section 6 Research Details select ‘Yes’ to Are you applying for an advertised project. Insert the project title as stated in the advert.

Indicate in Section 9 Funding Sources your intention to apply for the Productivity Institute Studentship.

Ensure all required supporting documents are included at the time of submission, incomplete applications may not be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact Humanities Doctoral Academy (HUMS.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk)

Interviews are expected to take place - TBC.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and are at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

Funding Notes

Productivity Institute Studentship to commence in September 2026. Covers UKRI tuition fees, an annual stipend (2026/27 rate £21,805 per annum) and a Research Training Support Grant.

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