Economics

Doctoral study programme “Economics” is carried out at Kaunas University of Technology, School of Economics and Business, together with the Klaipėda University and Lithuanian Energy Institute. While studying under doctoral study programme “Economics” students are prepared to perform future research. Coordinated by experienced scientists PhD students carry out and present their research in the chosen area, which is an essential part of a four-year doctoral study programme.

The main objective of the programme is to educate talented economists, who may contribute to recent scientific research of economics, create new knowledge and apply it in practice. The programme aims to develop highly qualified professionals, ready for academic and professional career in leading global education institutions.

Apply

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

Partners

Klaipėda University
Lithuanian Energy Institute

Research topics

Topic title	Possible scientific supervisors	Source of funding
Measurement of regional green development competitiveness	prof. dr. Jurgita BRUNECKIENĖ	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The proposed dissertation will cover two scientific issues: - Development of a green competitiveness assessment methodology in the context of small open economy regions; - Modeling the impact of green competition policy measures (eg CO2 tarrifs) on regional green competitiveness. Regions use different patterns of green development, based on the specifics of their economies, to increase green competitiveness, so the application of green competition policy measures will have a different effect on their green competitiveness. Combining the problem of competitiveness and reducing emissions with the economic progress of different regions will make it possible to find common solutions in global climate policy. For more details please contact the supervisor of the topic.
Factors of industry 4.0 for sustainability in supply chains	doc. dr. Akvilė ČIBINSKIENĖ	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Research Question: What are the key drivers and their influential strength of Industry 4.0 to diffuse sustainability in SCs? Research Objectives: • To investigate key drivers of Industry 4.0 to diffuse sustainability in SCs; • To analyse the influential strength (cause–effect interrelationship) of key drivers and their impact on the sustainability of the supply chain. For more details please contact the supervisor of the topic.
Economic Evaluation of Renewable Energy Sources	prof. dr. Daiva DUMČIUVIENĖ	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Renewable energy sources are becoming more and more important, and their impact on the national economy is becoming an important factor. It can be argued that the long-term expansion of renewable energy is only possible if the product is worth producing, placing on the market and using. If any market participant suffers a loss in the absence of subsidies, the vertical relationship is terminated and the interest of all participants must be safeguarded. The subsidy is justified by the macroeconomic benefits of public finances (environmental protection, import substitution, employment). In addition, renewables should be cheaper and more readily available than competing fossil fuels. They should also ensure a return on their investment. The impact of renewable generation and the need for future technologies is becoming a pressing issue in the context of Industry 4.0. Wind energy will achieve record growth globally over the next five years (as the impact of COVID-19 has only been to delay, not cancel, projects). Next year is expected to be a record year for the wind industry with 78 GW (gigawatts) of new wind capacity forecast to be installed in 2021 (Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) outlook report). The aim of the study is to evaluate the volatility of renewable resources, (wind energy) to carry out an economic analysis of the potential benefits / costs of the required measures by integrating the renewable generation. In this context, current / future technology prices would be economically assessed and compared to the pre-determined benefits.
Smarter budgeting decisions using potential of artificial intelligence techniques to support effectiveness in universities	prof. dr. Rytis KRUŠINSKAS	state-funded
Technology-driven Restructuring of Manufacturing Industry in the Context of 4.0 Industry	doc. dr. Asta Baliutė	state-funded
Clustering processes impact on competitiveness and economic growth	prof. dr. Valentinas NAVICKAS	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The fluctuation of economics’ activities forces enterprises to change their traditional management and operational techniques and impels to seek new methods, knowledge, competences, resources, at the same time maintaining their stance and their competitiveness. Clustering processes has settled worldwide. Participation in a clustering process have become beneficial not only for clustered enterprises aspect, but also for the whole countries aspect. Clusters are important, because enterprises, by working together, can create new high quality products or services and better satisfy customer’s needs. When analysing clusters it is essential to define, that clusters stimulate responsible business planning, innovation development and so on. Clustering processes often include various enterprises, therefore their activities supplement each other and their services or products acquire higher quality and recognition. Enterprises by cooperating increase their competitiveness, expand their activities beyond national borders. Clustered enterprises achieve these benefits much easier.
Sectoral digitalization - risk and investment return potential valuation (Fintech, Insurtech, Govtech or other)	prof. dr. Rytis KRUŠINSKAS	state-funded
Changes in the Labour Market in the Context of Industry 4.0	doc. dr. Alina STUNDŽIENĖ	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes in Lithuanian labor market in the context of Industry 4.0. The study will answer the following questions: 1) How sensitive are various sectors to digitalisation and which sectors will be most affected by Industry 4.0? 2) Which workplaces are sensitive to computerization? How many risky jobs are there? What are the labor market forecasts (changes in employment in different sectors)? 3) How will wages change due to Industry 4.0 processes?

Download the list

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

Application procedure

Mandatory documents for admission:

Filled in application form (online on apply.ktu.edu)
Official legalised Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas or a higher education degree equivalents and academic transcripts (translated into English or Lithuanian and notary verified)
Curriculum Vitae
Recommendations by two researchers of the relevant science field
A list of the research works (this list is submitted with full bibliographic description) along with copies of the research works (or a research paper on the topic (-s) consistent with the dissertation topic (-s) indicated in the candidate’s application, if a candidate does not have any research works)
A copy of the passport personal data page, or a copy of the ID card
A copy of the receipt of the application fee payment (40 EUR for EU citizens, and 100 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

Participation in motivational interview (Kaunas University of Technology, K. Donelaičio g. 73, 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	0,4
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)	0,3
Motivation interview	0,25
Recommendations by scientists	0,05

Doctoral School contacts

Study programme modules