Design Engineering PhD Scholarship 6

How Can AI Deployment Boost Eco-Innovations in Emission-intensive Sectors?

Abstract
This PhD project examines how artificial intelligence (AI) influences firms' environmental innovation activities and strategies in high-emission sectors such as textiles, agriculture, fine chemicals or construction. Building on insights from the innovation economics and environmental economics literatures and in close collaboration with industry stakeholders, the project will investigate whether and how AI can reduce the R&D costs and increase the creativity within the context of environmental innovation. The study will explore how regulatory interventions, technological trajectories, and knowledge spillovers interact with AI adoption to enhance firms' ability to internalize environmental externalities and introduce eco-innovations in SMEs and larger companies. 

How to Apply 
Please contact Dr Pelin Demirel if you are interested in applying for this project. 

For more information on submitting a PhD application, please consult our application pages here. When you submit your application, please cite this project title in the 'how you are planning to fund your PhD' section.   

The deadline for submitting your application is 09 January 2026.