The PhD in Design for Regional Innovation (DRI) is accepting applications for its inaugural 2026/27 academic year. The three-year doctoral programme is designed for researchers interested in addressing real-world challenges involving innovation, territorial development and sustainability through research conducted in non-academic environments. The programme combines design research, applied experimentation, scientific methodologies and practical engagement with organizations operating within complex territorial contexts. Doctoral candidates will undertake research in environments such as companies, scientific and technological institutions, public administration bodies and third-sector organizations. The programme is delivered by the School of Applied Arts of IPCB in Castelo Branco for its first edition, with subsequent editions scheduled to alternate between IPVC and IPCB. About the PhD in Design for Regional Innovation The PhD in Design for Regional Innovation focuses on the role of Design as a situated practice for producing knowledge and supporting territorial transformation. Rather than concentrating exclusively on the development of a final product or artifact, the programme examines the broader processes of conception, mediation, implementation and evaluation within complex territorial systems. Research is multidisciplinary and combines project-based experimentation, theoretical frameworks and empirical validation. This approach enables doctoral candidates to develop solutions to real-world problems while systematically evaluating whether those solutions can be transferred and applied in other contexts. The programme addresses diverse territories, including urban, peri-urban, rural, low-density and peripheral environments. Research in Non-Academic Environments A distinctive feature of the doctoral programme is that research takes place substantially within non-academic environments. Candidates will work with organizations and stakeholders to investigate concrete challenges and develop context-specific innovation models. Research will be conducted under formal academic supervision and assessment, ensuring that practical experimentation maintains the scientific rigor required for a doctoral qualification. Doctoral candidates will be expected to connect situated practice with critical reflection, establish systematic experimentation and validation processes, and evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of interventions over the medium and long term. This structure enables candidates to contribute simultaneously to solving practical problems and advancing Design as an academic discipline. Programme Objectives The PhD aims to develop researchers capable of producing original knowledge through research-through-design and practice-based approaches within complex territorial contexts. Graduates will be expected to develop the ability to: • Design and implement research projects in complex territorial systems• Address institutional fragility, territorial inequalities and power asymmetries• Develop models of contextualized innovation• Integrate local knowledge with theory and project-based experimentation• Apply participatory, collaborative and co-design methodologies• Engage multiple stakeholders in multisectoral innovation processes• Develop iterative experimentation, validation and learning processes• Apply foresight and scenario-building methodologies• Mediate interests within multi-actor ecosystems• Consider social responsibility and regulatory requirements• Monitor and evaluate social, economic and environmental impacts• Assess the societal relevance and transferability of research outcomes• Connect research with the Sustainable Development Goals• Contribute to the theoretical and methodological advancement of Design Curriculum and 180 ECTS Structure The doctoral programme comprises 180 ECTS credits completed over three years. During the first year, candidates undertake foundational and methodological coursework. Year 1 – Semester 1 • Design for Regional Development – 12 ECTS• Applied Research Methodologies – 9 ECTS• Seminars in Design for Regional Innovation – 9 ECTS Year 1 – Semester 2 • Design and Regional Innovation Ecosystems – 12 ECTS• Applied Research Laboratory – 9 ECTS• Elective Options – 9 ECTS Elective options include Territorial Identity and Branding, Laboratory Research in Non-Academic Environments, and Sustainability, Innovation and Competitiveness. During the second year, candidates undertake Applied Research I and Applied Research II, with each component carrying 30 ECTS. The third year consists of Applied Research III worth 30 ECTS followed by the Thesis, also worth 30 ECTS. Admission Requirements The programme is open to candidates with different academic and professional backgrounds, subject to recognition by the competent scientific body of the relevant higher education institution. Eligible candidates include: • Holders of a master’s degree or legally equivalent qualification in the area of the study cycle• Holders of a bachelor’s degree with a particularly relevant academic or scientific curriculum demonstrating the capacity to undertake doctoral studies• Individuals with an academic, scientific or professional curriculum recognized as demonstrating the capacity to undertake the programme Admission for candidates whose qualifications fall outside the standard master’s-degree route is subject to assessment and recognition by the legally and statutorily competent scientific body of the institution where admission is sought. English Language Requirement The PhD is delivered in Portuguese and English. Applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency sufficient to read, understand and use scientific literature. The required level corresponds indicatively to B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Study Format and Programme Details The PhD is offered through on-site, full-time daytime attendance. Key programme details include: • Degree: PhD in Design for Regional Innovation• Duration: 3 years• Credits: 180 ECTS• Places available: 15• Delivery: On-site• Study regime: Full-time, daytime attendance• Languages: Portuguese and English• English proficiency: Approximately B2 CEFR• Academic year: 2026/27 The first edition is scheduled to take place at the School of Applied Arts of IPCB in Castelo Branco. Applied Research and Professional Impact The second and third years are dedicated primarily to developing applied research in non-academic contexts. Candidates will receive continuous scientific supervision while becoming integrated into relevant research and innovation projects and networks. This arrangement is intended to strengthen the connection between doctoral research and practical territorial challenges. Research outcomes are expected to demonstrate scientific rigor while also offering potential environmental, social, economic and organizational benefits. The programme is particularly relevant to researchers interested in sustainable territorial development, regional innovation, design research, public-sector innovation, community development and multidisciplinary approaches to complex social and environmental challenges. Career and Research Opportunities The doctoral programme provides a pathway for professionals and researchers seeking to operate at the intersection of Design, innovation, sustainability and territorial development. Its practice-oriented structure can support careers involving research and development, innovation management, public administration, consultancy, territorial planning, sustainability, design strategy, community development and third-sector initiatives. By working directly within real organizational environments, doctoral candidates can develop experience in stakeholder engagement, co-design, experimentation, impact assessment and knowledge transfer. How to Learn More The PhD in Design for Regional Innovation is scheduled to begin in the 2026/27 academic year, with 15 places available for the first edition. Prospective applicants should review the official programme information and admission procedures provided by the institution before applying. Additional information is available through the official IPCB doctoral programmes portal. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.