PhD position on: Building a Cross-Border Economic Observatory: Econometric Modelling, Composite Indicators and Predictive Analytics for Innovation and Sustainability

Location ESTIA Campus, Technopole Izarbel, Bidart, France

Remuneration Doctoral research grant

Expected start date  at the earliest opportunity

Contract duration 3 -years fixed-term research contract 

ESTIA-Recherche – Creativity, Ecodesign and Circularity Team The thesis will be carried out at ESTIA Institute of Technology within  the  ESTIA-Research laboratory and potentially in collaboration with Mondragon University.

The laboratory is structured around six research axes, and the PhD will be conducted within the “Creativity, Eco-design, and Circularity” research axis. This axis focuses on how can the hybridization of different mechanisms (approaches, tools, methods, and organizational models) help stimulate or improve the economic and environmental efficiency of innovation processes among socio-economic stakeholders. Through action-research initiatives developed in close collaboration with stakeholders (companies, associations, citizens, etc.), the research seeks to foster and analyze sustainability-oriented approaches (e.g., circular economy, low-tech solutions, and sufficiency) in order to address these challenges.

This PhD position is part of the OISE project: “Observatory for Companies’ Innovation and Sustainability in the Euroregion”, funded under the Interreg POCTEFA program.

Keywords: data analysis, econometrics, statistical analysis, economic modelling

CONTEXT 

The OISE project addresses the challenge of fragmented economic and business information across Euskadi, Navarre, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. At present, data on innovation, sustainability, and corporate behavior are scattered and based on non-comparable methodologies, which hampers joint decision-making and the design of coherent cross-border policies. The overarching goal is to create a shared territorial-intelligence infrastructure that integrates, analyzes, and disseminates harmonized information on the Euroregion’s business fabric, strengthening institutional, scientific, and economic cooperation. Through the design and development of a cross-border digital platform, OISE will make it possible to monitor business dynamics in terms of innovation, sustainability, and finance, as well as anticipate trends through predictive-analysis modules. It will be carried out between 2026 and 2029 by a cross-border consortium composed of public entities, universities, and research centers from the three territories. These products will benefit public institutions, companies, intermediaries, and citizens, enabling evidence-based decisions and guiding public policy making. The cross-border added value lies in methodological harmonization, data interoperability, and the creation of a shared knowledge space that has not existed until now. OISE combines advanced statistical analysis, visualization, and collaborative governance, laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining observatory that strengthens the Euroregion’s economic and scientific cohesion.

Consequently, the outlined PhD research agenda will be carried out in an international, multicultural environment, with the collaboration of an interdisciplinary research team.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

The main research work packages contribute to:

• Data inventory and diagnostic analysis
• Development of new indicators
• Statistical analysis
• Econometric and predictive modelling

MAIN OBJECTIVES:

The main objective is to contribute to the design and implementation of a Cross-Border Economic

Observatory providing evidence-based tools for regional policy analysis. 

Key contributions include:

• Construction and harmonization of cross-border datasets (France–Spain)
• Development of composite indicators on innovation, sustainability, and firm performance
• Design of econometric and predictive models for regional economic dynamics
• Production of analytical tools supporting public decision-making

REQUIRED SKILLS:                                     

Application procedures:

Recruitment is open until the position is filled. Applications should include a detailed CV, a cover letter, academic transcripts for the last two years, and any supporting documents demonstrating relevant skills and experience. References would be appreciated. Please send your application to: Dr. Natalia VECHIU: [email protected]