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Economics

Joint PhD studies with Klaipėda University and Lithuanian Energy Institute.

The KTU PhD in Economics is designed for those interested in advanced research in the field of economics, which examines the principles of economic systems, decision-making processes and resource allocation in society and the economy. During their studies, PhD students explore economic theories, apply them to real-life situations and develop new knowledge, thus contributing to the development of modern economics.
KTU’s doctoral programme in Economics is characterised by its orientation towards advanced and interdisciplinary research, which enables the study of economic processes in their social, political and technological contexts. It is a unique approach that not only deepens knowledge of economic theories but also incorporates innovative methods such as data analysis and artificial intelligence. The PhD focuses not only on macroeconomics but also on economic challenges in smaller, local contexts, such as economic transformation, social responsibility and sustainability.

Cycle	Third cycle
Language	Lithuanian, English
Duration	4 y.
Degree awarded	Doctor of Science

Partners

Klaipėda University
Lithuanian Energy Institute

Contacts

Doctoral School
Student Info Center
Studentų st. 50
LT-51368, Kaunas
email phd@ktu.lt

Research topics

Topic title	Possible scientific supervisors	Source of funding
Technology-driven Restructuring of Manufacturing Industry	doc. dr. Asta Baliutė	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Restructuring of the country's manufacturing industry toward technology-driven in order to achieve the growth of high-tech industries and increase the employment of advanced digital technologies, is a crucial condition for the country's economic growth. The development of advanced technologies, high qualifications and skills of the workforce in manufacturing industry ensures growth of higher added-value due to higher productivity. Goal of the research is to evaluate the drivers and restrictions of industrial restructuring towards more technologically intensive industries. Tasks of the research: to analyze the long-term structural changes of country‘s manufacturing industry using different classification; and by applying the qualitative and quantitative research methods to perform the in-depth examination of factors which encourage or hamper the implementation of digital advanced technologies in high-tech and low-tech industries.
Evaluati on of EU countries` convergence in the context of the green transition	prof. dr. Jurgita Bruneckienė	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The EU's Green Transformation aims for climate neutrality by 2050, but balancing economic progress, social justice, and CO2 reduction creates risks for economic convergence. This research will develop a model to identify factors that either promote or hinder convergence in the Green Transformation context, helping predict and avoid economic development traps while ensuring sustainable growth. This topic addresses a critical gap in understanding how to achieve both environmental goals and economic and social fairness across regions.
Economic Evaluation of Renewable Energy Sources	prof. dr. Daiva Dumčiuvienė	state-funded
Opportunities and challenges of the third sector in creating society's well-being in times of crisis	doc. dr. Šviesa Leitonienė	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Recently, governments of different countries have become increasingly interested in how to improve or measure society's well-being. The third sector is a significant policy lever for increasing the society's welfare, therefore it is important to study the factors that determine the opportunities for NGOs to contribute to the creation of public welfare. In addition, non-governmental organizations play an important role in the process of creating or restoring the well-being of people affected by the crisis. This is relevant for European states, which have faced many crises and challenges in recent years, many of which are still ongoing: the economic crisis, the energy crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the movement of refugees and migrants to Europe, and even the challenges related to the effects of climate change. This study will focus on the institutional environment of NGO activities and the challenges related to the two recent crises - COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. The purpose of the research is to investigate the drivers that determine the opportunities for NGOs to contribute to the creation of society's well-being in times of crisis.
The impact of renewable energy subsidies on economic growth	prof. dr. Vaida Pilinkienė	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The increase in the use of renewable energy sources (RES) is obviously changing the competitive environment and the nature of energy markets, addressing environmental challenges and strengthening countries' energy security and independence from importing traditional energy sources. Intensive development of RES production contributes to the reduction of health costs, improves the quality of the living standards, promotes regional employment and reduces social exclusion. EU leaders' agreement until 2030 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to 1990; to use at least 27% of all energy consumed from RES, implies fundamental changes in the global energy markets and active use of RES. RES subsidies aim to advance climate targets, foster economic growth, and investment, facilitate the transition to sustainable energy systems. They also enhance the efficiency of public spending by identifying and prioritising subsidy programs with the highest economic and environmental returns, supporting the design of fiscally sustainable subsidy frameworks. Despite the importance of RES subsidies, there remains a gap in the scientific literature regarding their systematic evaluation, particularly concerning their interaction with macroeconomic variables within a sustainable development context. This research addresses this gap by assessing the influence of RES subsidies on economic growth with a comprehensive examination of their macroeconomic effects on international trade, employment, consumption, inflation, and related factors. The study will develop a conceptual and econometric model to evaluate the impact of RES subsidies on economic growth. The model will integrate RES subsidy policies within broader economic frameworks and climate change scenarios, offering insights into the relationship between RES subsidies and macroeconomic dynamics.
Corporate financial resistance and investment dynamics during the period of economic shock	prof. dr. Rytis Krušinskas	state-funded
Evaluation of the impact of migration on the country's economy	prof. dr. Alina Stundžienė	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. International migration is an inevitable phenomenon that is becoming more widespread every year. It can have positive aspects as well as cause some economic problems. The aim of the dissertation is to evaluate the impact of migration on the country’s economy. The results of the research will help in the formation of migration policy and identify effective means to manage migration flows.
The Impact Of International Economic Sanctions On The Economic Security Of The States	prof. dr. Vaidas Gaidelys	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. In the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the states, which apply international economic sanctions against Russia, experience the negative effects on their national economies. Due to the fact that the international sanctions are imposed on the strategic directions of the economy, this has a significant impact on the security of national economies. Depending on the connections between national economies and the Russian economy, the resulting situation poses a threat to the security of national economies. The major purpose of this research is to assess the impact of the international sanctions on the security of national economies in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Objectives: 1. On the basis of scientific literature analysis, to identify the factors which could represent the impact of international sanctions. 2. To prepare the methodology for assessing the impact of economic sanctions on the security of national economies. 3. To develop the theoretical model for assessing the impact of international economic sanctions and apply this model in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 4. To provide the economic justification for the application of international economic sanctions.

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Entry requirements

Minimum requirements

Persons with a Master’s Degree or equivalent degree of higher education may participate in an open competition for admission to doctoral studies.

Applicants to the doctoral field of science are accepted by competition according to the competition score. Minimum Competition Score 8.0

Additional condition:

1. An applicant must submit research paper (40,000 to 60,000 characters, including spaces)

2. One of the submitted recommendations has to be written by the supervisor of the topic

Application procedure

Mandatory documents for admission:

Application indicating the science field, the topic and the form of funding (online)*
Official legalised Master’s diploma with the diploma supplements or a higher education degree equivalents and academic transcripts (translated into English or Lithuanian and notary verified) and the certificate of recognition if higher education qualification acquired abroad
Curriculum Vitae
Recommendations by two researchers of the relevant science field (one of the submitted recommendations by scientists has to be written by the supervisor of the topic)
A list of the research works with a full bibliographic description and copies thereof; if no research works by the applicant are presented, the applicant is required to present a research paper whose topic is consistent with the dissertation topic indicated in the applicant’s application (if the applicant applies to two dissertation topics, two individual research papers have to be submitted)
Research paper (40,000 to 60,000 characters, including spaces)
A copy of a valid personal document: a passport (for citizens of all countries) or an ID card (only for citizens of the European Union)
A copy of the receipt of the application fee payment (50 EUR for EU citizens, and 120 EUR for non-EU citizens)
A certificate issued by IELTS, TOEFL, CERF or any other competent institution within the last 2 years certifying the level of the English language if the candidate is not a graduate of the first or second cycle studies conducted in the English language

* The applicant can select no more than 2 (two) research fields and no more than 2 (two) topics per science field.

Participation in motivational interview (Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų g. 50, Kaunas, Lithuania or online)

Signing a study agreement (if invited to study)

Selection criteria and their weighted coefficients

Weighted grade point average of the diploma supplement	0,35
Research experience Research experience in ten-point grading system (the evaluation of the research experience includes the candidate’s scientific publications or the research paper, other research experience, scientific qualifications, the compliance of the scientific publications and research experience with the topic of doctoral studies)	0,35
Recommendations by scientists One of the submitted recommendations has to be written by the supervisor of the topic	0,05
Motivational interview, including evaluation of the knowledge of a foreign language	0,25

Study programme modules

Contacts

Doctoral School
Student Info Center
Studentų st. 50
LT-51368, Kaunas
email phd@ktu.lt