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Research Opportunities

Orchestrating innovation ecosystems and citizen engagement to support sustainable transition and data-driven decision-making.

Work description

The work is positioned within the area of orchestration of innovation ecosystems, and citizen engagement with sustainability transitions. Current societal challenges require the shift of socio-technical systems such as energy transition. This calls for multiple actors, including RTO’s, to play a more active role in steering these transitions, namely by intermediating and engaging with multiple actors towards this transformative innovation. The work may involve literature review and conceptual development, qualitative studies based on interviews ad case studies, to map existing orchestration approaches and identify drivers of citizen engagement. The work also involves the development of data-driven decision-support approaches for the analysis and modelling of user behaviour, interaction and engagement in complex socio-technical contexts. These approaches may integrate qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, including data analysis and behavioural analysis, applied to different usage contexts, such as digital services and technology platforms, involving the interaction and participation of users and citizens.

Academic Qualifications

PhD degree in Industrial Engineering and Management

Minimum profile required

Experience in research on co-creation approaches and citizen engagement with sustainability transitions.Experience in qualitative methods, namely involving interviews, observation, and qualitative data analysis.Proven experience in programming and data analysis, using tools such as Python, R, or equivalent.Experience in applying quantitative methods to real-world data, including statistical modelling, segmentation, or machine learning.Ability to work in interdisciplinary contexts, connecting technology and societal issues, as well as qualitative and quantitative approaches.Proficiency in Portuguese and English.

Preference factors

Relevant experience in citizen engagement, particularly in the analysis of engagement using quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as in devising strategies for citizen engagement. Experience in sustainability transitions, particularly in innovation ecosystem orchestration and intermediation. Experience in the design, facilitation, or analysis of co-creation approaches, including interviews, focus groups, workshops, or other participatory approaches. Experience in applying quantitative and/or mixed methods to the analysis of behavioural data, including segmentation techniques, statistical modelling, or multivariate analysis. Experience in the use of quantitative and qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., statistical or qualitative analysis software). Participation in R&D projects, including experience in coordinating activities or collaborating with multiple stakeholders in interdisciplinary or international contexts. Relevant scientific output in areas such as socio-technical systems, sustainability transitions, citizen engagement, service science, data analytics, user behaviour, sustainability, or related domains.

Application Period

Since 21 May 2026 to 03 Jun 2026

Centre

Industrial & Systems Engineering and Management

Scientific Advisor

Vera Miguéis