The PhD research examines the transformative potential of alternative self-provision practices (e.g. food self-provisioning, sharing, repair and DIY) as pathways to degrowth. It explores how everyday practices can be system-changing (e.g. prefiguration, prosumption, quiet sustainability) and under what conditions they support economic transformation “from below”, drawing on qualitative research on alternative/ecological economies, degrowth and sustainability.
The project will address the following key areas:
While alternative self-provision practices, incl. food self-provisioning, foraging, informal sharing economy practices, repair and DIY, have hitherto remained largely invisible in mainstream economic thinking (Pungas 2023), they have recently gained increasing attention in the research on quiet sustainability (Smith and Jehlicka 2013, Sovova et al. 2025), prefiguration (Siddharth et al. 2026) and degrowth (Spanier et al. 2024). Yet evidence on whether and under what conditions such seemingly mundane everyday practices can contribute to transformative change remains fragmented (cf Forno and Wahlen 2022). Some research has questioned their political and transformative potential (e.g. Goodman et al. 2012), while other studies have highlighted pathways from individual practices towards collective forms of action, such as local food solidarity networks and community-based FSP initiatives (Forno et al, 2015; Guidi and Andretta, 2015; Smith and Jehlicka 2013, Sovova et al. 2025). Tapping into this gap, this PhD project sets out to explore the transformative potential of alternative self-provision practices for a degrowth future.
The thesis should address questions such as:
If and how can mundane and quiet practices be seen as part of a degrowth future or “nowtopia”? Do practitioners see them as such, why/why not? (in other words, is a prefigurative mindset needed for prefigurative change)
Which practices and quiet sustainability niches exist in Estonia, how do they emerge and which are their development paths?
What are the motives, barriers / enablers and potential pathways from seemingly mundane everyday self-provisioning practices toward broader economic and business transformation (e.g. degrowth and sustainability management, doughnut, diverse, degrowth economies)? (in other words, systemic scaling of quiet small-scale practices)
Responsibilities and (foreseen) tasks:
The selected PhD candidate will be granted independence regarding the choice of theoretical framing, research philosophy, and methodological emphasis, while working within the broader framework outlined above. The project is expected to involve mixed-method qualitative research. The PhD candidate should already have learned, or be willing to learn, one or more research methodologies and methods such as qualitative interviewing, case-study analysis, participatory observation and fieldwork, as well as qualitative research analysis.
The PhD candidate’s work is expected to engage with several empirical components, including:
Mapping of existing mundane self-provisioning practices in Estonia, and former research studying these (e.g. foraging, dacha gardening, informal food (exchange) networks, organic non-profit farms/semi-self-sufficiency farms, repair, DIY)
Multiple case studies with self-provisioning practitioners to understand their pathways, practices, networks and relation to the conventional (market-based) system and transformative impact/intention
Exploration with self-provision practitioners and dis-/enabling system stake-holders about the possible pathways from prefiguration to system change
Analysis of findings from a system transformation / degrowth (or other suitable alternative economy and management) perspective
The candidate’s main task will be to prepare a doctoral thesis under the supervision of Ass. Prof. Bianka Plüschke-Altof. The candidate is also expected to engage in small-scale teaching, contribute to topic-related project proposals, and actively participate in the department’s academic life.
The candidate is expected to have:
a master’s degree in social sciences (e.g. sociology, human geography, economics), management, anthropology, or a related field
a clear interest in the topic
excellent command of English and Estonian
strong and demonstrable writing and analytical skills
capacity to work both as an independent researcher and part of a research team
capacity and willingness to contribute to teaching and organisational tasks
The candidate must submit a research plan (5 pages) for the topic, including a preliminary overview of relevant literature and an overall research design. The candidate may expand on the listed research questions and tasks and propose specific theoretical lenses and methods to be used.
The following experience is beneficial:
working knowledge of qualitative research methods
familiarity with mixed-method designs or willingness to learn
knowledge of topics such as prefiguration, quiet sustainability, alternative economic practices, system transformation, degrowth
experience in fieldwork and participatory research
We offer
4-year funded PhD position at Taltech’s School of Business and Governance, with a large portfolio of ongoing pan-European and national research projects;
Enrolment in the doctoral study program “Business, Economics and Governance”
Potential for high-impact research and active involvement in research projects of the assigned research group;
Opportunities for conference visits, research stays and networking with leading universities and research centres;
All PhD positions are guaranteed a gross income of at least 2300 EUR and Estonian national health insurance.
Supervisors:
Main supervisor: Assistant Professor Bianka Plüschke-Altof, School of Business and Governance: Department of Business Administration: Sustainable Value Chain Management Unit
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is an international scientific community with approximately 9,000 students and 2,000 employees; it is one of the largest universities in Estonia, the leading EU country in digitalisation. The university's strengths are broad multidisciplinary study/research interests, a modern research environment, and strong collaboration with international educational and research institutions. TalTech is aiming to be an organisation leading the way to a sustainable digital future.
TalTech School of Business and Governance is the leading provider of higher education in the fields of economics, business administration, law and public administration in the Baltic States. Our faculty includes internationally recognised top scientists and outstanding practitioners not only from Estonia but also from abroad (34% international faculty members from 33 countries). About 23% of international students from over 60 countries confirm the attractiveness of the School in international education. The research carried out at the Department of Business Administration deals with various aspects of business – entrepreneurship, sustainability, knowledge and technology transfer, operations and strategic management, digitalization, marketing, supply chain management, accounting and performance management. The department is highly internationalised. Its staff have been involved in a multitude of international research projects with the EU (INTERREG, COST, Horizon Europe etc).
For information about the admission process, please visit the PhD Admission homepage or contact the doctoral admission team at docstudy@taltech.ee.
Applications can be submitted from 15.10.2026 to 15.11.2026
For further info, please contact:
Assistant Professor Bianka Plüschke-Altof (bianka.pluschkealtof@taltech.ee)
