UGent

ECOOM HR in R&D focuses on the research topic “careers of reseachers”. Both academic careers and non-academic careers of PhD holders who have left the academic sector are monitored. Regarding academic careers, we examine both the performance and well-being of junior researchers, PhD students, postdocs and professors. This includes aspects such as obstacles and success factors in research, job satisfaction, turnover intentions and entrepreneurship. We always take into account differences related to gender and diversity, various job- and employment characteristics, and work organisation. As for non-academic careers of PhD holders, we focus on career dynamics as well as labour and employment characteristics, such as remuneration, work-life balance, opportunities for promotion and perception of PhD holders. We adopt a multi-stakeholder perspective, involving researchers, universities, non-academic employers and the government.

We monitor the careers of reseachers based on our own administrative data (Human Resources in Research Flanders database), targeted surveys (Survey of Junior Researchers, Survey of Senior Researchers, PhD Career Survey, Survey of Employers), and in-depth interviews. Where possible, we benchmark against other knowledge regions or professional groups within Flanders.

Research findings of ECOOM HR in R&D are made available to all stakeholders through short, accessible ECOOM reports and ECOOM briefs. This not only enables the Flemish government to implement evidence-based policy, it also supports researchers in making informed career decisions and facilitates universities and non-academic employers to optimize and make optimal use of acquired competencies, skills and knowledge.

Research domain: Careers of researchers
Contact: ecoom@ugent.be

ECOOM Inno Ghent maps the digitalization of Flemish companies. This is done through an annual survey of a representative sample of approximately 2,000 companies. The survey’s focus alternates between (1) the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and (2) cybersecurity (CS). The data collection examines the use of AI technologies and cybersecurity technologies and solutions, the barriers or obstacles companies face in implementing these solutions, the external actors that guide or support them in the implementation, and the impact they experience. The results of this survey are published respectively in the AI Barometer and the CS Barometer. The collected data is also used for further research.

Research domain: Digitalization
Contact: Thomas Standaert (thomasb.standaert@ugent.be)

ECOOM Entrepreneurship Ghent regularly produces indicators of entrepreneurial culture and entrepreneurial activities in Flanders. A survey of approximately 1,000 residents explores, among other things, perceptions of entrepreneurship, the extent to which entrepreneurship is considered a viable career choice, and motivations and barriers for entrepreneurship. The collected data are also used for further research.

Research domain: Emerging entrepreneurship
Contact: Jolien Roelandt (jolien.roelandt@ugent.be)

Secondly, the team biennially maps sustainable entrepreneurship in Flemish SMEs through a large-scale survey of approximately 1,500 companies. The Sustainability Barometer investigates the knowledge, drivers and barriers of sustainable entrepreneurship, the sustainable goals, and the implementation and impact of sustainable behavior in Flemish SMEs. The collected data are also used for further research.

Research domain: Sustainability in SMEs
Contact: Cathy Lecocq (cathy.lecocq@ugent.be)

Thirdly, the researchers, together with ECOOM Entrepreneurship Antwerp, conduct policy-supporting research to stimulate student entrepreneurship in Flanders. Through the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (GUESSS) and a Flemish panel database, they collect data on students' entrepreneurial intentions and activities, enabling policymakers to align their strategies with the evolving student entrepreneurship landscape. The collected data are also used for further research.

Research domain: Student entrepreneurship
Contact: Erika Branca (Erika.Branca@UGent.be)