E-waste circular economy through socio-technical system approach: a comparative study of Indonesia and the UK
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline: 27 May 2025
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: September 2025
For further details contact: Professor Benny Tjahjono
Introduction
This PhD project is a studentship opportunity for a dual degree PhD programme between Coventry University in the United Kingdom and the Bandung Institute of Technology (Institute Teknologi Bandung, ITB) in Indonesia. The successful candidate will be part of the Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth (CECG) at Coventry and the School of Business & Management (SBM) at ITB. The students will be supported by a team of experts in sustainable supply chain management to complete the PhD project successfully. They will spend the first and third years at ITB and the second year at Coventry, and are expected to complete the project within three-and-a-half years.
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, driven by shorter product lifecycles and increasing consumer demand. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced high-tech products, such as smart appliances and renewable energy storage systems, presents a new wave of e-waste challenges. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2023, approximately 62 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide. It is projected to reach 74 million metric tons by 2030, with only 23% properly collected and recycled. This volume has the potential to cause significant risks of soil and water contamination, affecting ecosystems, agricultural productivity and the environment, as well as posing serious health issues.
Current linear waste management practices are characterised by a "take, make, dispose" model. They fail to fully utilise the valuable materials embedded in e-waste, such as rare earth metals, and contribute to environmental degradation. Thus, a transition to a circular economy (CE) in e-waste management could provide a sustainable alternative.
Although e-waste management best practices have been implemented in several developed countries, such as Germany, Sweden, the USA, Japan, and South Korea, significant challenges remain, such as high consumption and rapid turnover, illegal export, and uneven public awareness. Unlike developed countries, developing countries face more complex challenges, such as policy and regulation gaps, lack of infrastructure, the dominance of informal recycling sectors, and other operational problems. However, in general, the fundamental problem faced by both developed and developing nations is how to ensure that the CE transition can be fully implemented without being hampered by technological and economic barriers.
With such a complex problem, a comprehensive approach that integrates social, technological, and policy aspects is crucial. In this regard, socio-technical systems theory is widely applied in complex systems like e-waste management. It examines the interplay between social and technical components within a system, emphasising that successful outcomes depend on their alignment. In the context of e-waste and CE, the theory highlights how technological innovations (e.g., recycling technologies, product design, and value chain processes) interact with social factors (e.g., consumer behaviour, trends, and consumer decision-making), as well as policy factors (e.g., regulatory frameworks, economic incentives). It emphasises the need for a holistic approach that addresses technical capabilities alongside human, organisational, and societal dynamics.
Project details
This research will be led by a team from the School of Business Management (SBM) at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) (Indonesia) together with Coventry University (UK), involving postgraduate students through a dual-degree doctoral programme to carry out a comparative study of e-waste management strategies in developed and developing countries.
In order to demonstrate both scientific and practical contributions in the context of CE, the following research objectives have been developed to:
- Analyse the current state of e-waste management systems globally, with case studies in Indonesia and the UK.
- Identify barriers to implementing the CE principles in e-waste management, such as regulatory gaps, technological limitations, and socio-economic hurdles.
- Propose a conceptual framework that serves as the basis for constructing a transition strategy that is contextually appropriate for e-waste management in developed and developing countries.
The expected outcomes are as follows:
- Case studies of e-waste in Indonesia and the UK (e.g., EV batteries, renewable energy storage systems, or other relevant e-waste).
- A framework for integrating the CE principles into e-waste management, emphasising the socio-technical system.
- A roadmap for technological innovation to improve the social and economic viability of e-waste management.
- A transition strategy ensuring a phased and inclusive approach by addressing infrastructure development, value chain processes, partnerships, and public engagement, while fostering a sustainable transition to a circular e-waste economy.
- Policy recommendations for governments to hold manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life disposal and management of their products.
Funding
Tuition fees and bursary
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
You must make an application at both institutes.
Please also apply at ITB here.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
Additional requirements
- A personal statement explaining motivation, research background, future goals and reasons for choosing this program.
- A detailed research proposal defining research question, methodology and expected contribution to the field.
- Data analytics skills and mastery of quantitative methodologies with statistical or simulation approaches are preferable.
How to apply
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2,000 word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
Please contact for informal enquiries: Professor Benny Tjahjono or Assoc. Prof. Yuliani Dwi Lestari.
Apply to Coventry University
