Entrepreneurship is one of the twelve majors within the Doctoral Programme in Business, Economics and Finance. The Entrepreneurship Unit offers a comprehensive four-year doctoral training programme designed to equip researchers with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to conduct high-quality, impactful research. Our approach fosters a broad understanding of entrepreneurship as a complex and multifaceted socio-economic phenomenon.
We actively seek individuals with strong research potential and a deep interest in entrepreneurship. Through a selective admissions process, we are building a diverse, intellectually curious community of scholars committed to advancing the field. We welcome applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds and encourage interdisciplinary thinking, drawing from fields such as sociology, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, and the arts.
We are committed to ensuring that our doctoral programme remains at the forefront of academic excellence. In a field that is constantly changing, we recognise the importance of staying responsive and forward-thinking. Through regular evaluation and refinement, we continuously improve the programme to offer the highest quality education, support, and research training for our doctoral researchers.
Regional and institutional embeddedness of entrepreneurship
We study how entrepreneurship is shaped by local cultures, institutions, and ecosystems, and how entrepreneurs, in turn, influence their surroundings. Our work explores how place matters, and how regional conditions can support or hinder entrepreneurial activity.
Psychological processes underlying entrepreneurial actions
What drives individuals to act entrepreneurially? This research area looks at the motivations, mindsets, emotions, and decision-making processes behind entrepreneurial behaviour, including risk-taking, resilience, and identity formation.
Entrepreneurship and population ageing
As populations age across much of the world, we explore how older individuals engage in entrepreneurship, what barriers they face, and how intergenerational approaches can support their continued contribution to society and the economy.
Entrepreneurial responses to grand challenges
Climate change, inequality, refugee crises, and democratic backsliding are among the global challenges shaping the 21st century. This area investigates how entrepreneurship can address these complex issues through the emergence of new types of organisations, coalitions, and industries.
Microentrepreneurship in the Global South
We examine the lived realities of microentrepreneurs in developing and emerging economies, where entrepreneurs often operate outside formal regulations. We explore how they navigate resource constraints and develop context-specific strategies for survival, growth, and resilience.
Social and sustainable business venturing
This area explores how entrepreneurs create ventures that go beyond profit, building businesses that actively address social and environmental problems. We study how these ventures are built, scaled, and sustained in different contexts.
Learn more about our doctoral programme from the latest info session.
Curious where an ENTU journey can lead? Here are some of our recent graduates and where they are making an impact today.
Postdoctoral researcher, Aalto University, School of Business
Postdoctoral researcher, Aalto University, School of Business
Professor, Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Assistant Professor, Audencia Business School
Doctoral researchers at ENTU benefit from a supportive and research-driven environment, and that includes financial support. Funding for doctoral studies is guaranteed for the first two years, typically through Aalto University School of Business. After this period, continued funding is available either from the School or Unit or through competitive external sources.
There are several Finnish and international foundations that offer grants for doctoral research, including support for data collection, international mobility, and participation in academic conferences. Students are taught early on what the opportunities are and how to pursue them.
Our doctoral programme is not offered remotely. On-site presence in Finland is required throughout the duration of the studies. Active participation in seminars, research groups, and academic events is a key part of the doctoral journey and cannot be replicated online. Many of our courses and supervision sessions take place in person, and we place great value on building a collaborative and engaged academic environment.
Being physically present also allows doctoral researchers to fully integrate into the ENTU community. It creates space for informal learning, peer support, and spontaneous idea exchange, all essential elements of academic life. On-site engagement strengthens research networks, deepens collaboration, and helps researchers build lasting professional relationships that often extend beyond their time in the programme.
