The oikos UNDP Young Scholars Development Academy 2012 provides PhD students and young scholars working on poverty, sustainable development, and the informal economy from an Organisation and Management Theory perspective a platform to present and discuss their on-going research projects with fellow students and senior faculty.

Research on inclusive business models, market development and sustainability between the informal and formal economy is a promising and challenging field for young researchers and PhD students. It calls for a multitude of methods, combination of disciplines in strategy, organisation studies, sociology, anthropology and economics, and new research designs, e.g. market ethnography in organisation studies.

The 2012 academy focus, “Matching Culture and Markets for Inclusive Development”, aims to attract papers analysing the strategies of businesses, governments, multilateral agencies, NGOs and other interest groups shaping moral markets that build on local capabilities, include the poor and create opportunities for sustainable development. The event aims to advance academic research at the nexus of informal and formal economies on the Base of the Pyramid (BoP), build networks across disciplinary boundaries, and to prepare the ground for research that is relevant for both academic and business audiences.

Programme and Faculty

The programme will encompass graduate student presentations, guest lectures, professional development roundtables and social events. Fellow students and internationally well-reputed researchers will give feedback:

Catherine Dolan, Said Business School (Oxford University), UK
Chris Yenkey, Booth School of Business (Chicago University), US
Klaus Weber, Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University), US
Monica Kerretts-Makau, Strathmore Business School (Strathmore University), Kenya

Application and Deadlines

To allow in-depth discussions the oikos UNDP Young Scholars Development Academy is always limited to 15 PhD students and young scholars working on poverty and development from an Organization Studies and Management perspective. The fee is CHF 400. The oikos Foundation for Economy and Ecology will cover the total cost of accommodation, food and excursions.

Please note that only applications from PhD students currently enrolled in a PhD programme and young scholars who have already received their PhD and work in post-doc or similar research positions are eligible. Please do not apply when you are not enrolled as a PhD student, or only plan to do so in the future.

Application deadline 31 March 2012
Applicants are notified by 10 April 2012
Final papers must be received for circulation to academy participants by 15 June 2012

Your application should contain:
(1) a proposal abstract of max. 2-3 pages,
(2) a short curriculum vitae and
(3) a letter of interest in the oikos UNDP
Young Scholars Development Academy.

UNDP Growing Inclusive Markets Travel Grant

Up to three grants (travel, fee and accommodation) are available for outstanding young scholars coming from developing countries. To apply for one of these grants, please provide a Letter of Interest and a Reference Letter from a senior faculty member together with your application to the academy. Preference goes to candidates from developing countries that still work in developing countries. If further grants are still available, candidates from developing countries working in developed countries will be considered.

Please note that the grants only apply for participating in the oikos UNDP Young Scholars Programme - we do not have general funding for attending other seminars or programmes.