Regenerative Economies

This Research & Knowledge Exchange Doctoral Project brief summarises our priority areas of research interest under the heading of: Regenerative Economies

We welcome all research degree applications aligned with and in response to this brief.

Project brief details

We invite expressions of interest for doctoral research into the evolving field of regenerative economies. This opportunity is hosted by a department with expertise in design, humanities and qualitative methods (media, cultural studies, communication design and UX education). This opportunity is especially suited to experienced practitioners from creative industries, B Corps, and purpose-led organisations seeking fresh intellectual engagement.

We are particularly interested in proposals relating to the food (from land or aqua sectors)—including regenerative agriculture, fisheries, land stewardship, community food systems, and place-based economies. We welcome wider interpretations that explore regenerative practice through media, storytelling, design, or UX to explore facets of regenerative economics in terms of livelihoods, diets and cultures.

Regeneration is not a settled concept. It holds multiple, conflicting, sometimes controversial and oxymoronic (WEF 2022) meanings. Our aim is to create space for rigorous, critical, and creative inquiry into what regenerative economies are and if/how regenerative principles might reshape our relationships to land, labour, value, and narrative—especially in a region like Cornwall.

This is an opportunity to help shape a field still in formation, one with the potential to influence public policy, cultural discourse, and local economic resilience. If you’re motivated by care, curiosity, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to long-term change, we’d love to hear from you.

Indicative Research Questions:

What is a regenerative economy?
What are its historical roots? How is the phrase being used, contested, and operationalised across sectors such as design, agriculture, food systems, creative industries, and policymaking?
What are the drivers behind the growth of regenerative activity?
What cultural, ecological, economic, or political forces are influencing the shift toward regenerative practices in areas from farming to branding?
How do regenerative economies differ from circular, green, or sustainable models?
Where do these concepts overlap, and where do they diverge in values, methods, and outcomes?
What does a regenerative mindset look like in business, design, media, or user experience?
How might regenerative principles reshape creative practice, pedagogical approaches, or organisational cultures?
How are stories, symbols, and media contributing to the emergence of regenerative imaginaries?
What roles do narrative, aesthetics, and affect play in cultivating public engagement with post-growth or place-based economies?
What regenerative models might support an equitable transition for rural, coastal, or marginalised communities, in regions like Cornwall? (for example, the invisibility of fishing activities and labour; immigrant and BPOC workers)
How can creative research help make these models visible, viable and inclusive?

Strategic alignment

Projects deriving from this brief are expected to sit within the Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy and the following Department.

Department	School of Communication

All successful research degree project proposals must emphasise a clear alignment between the project idea and our Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy.

Project brief leads

Project supervisor: Dr James Branch

James is a lecturer and researcher specialising in design education. He holds a doctorate in User Experience (UX) Design Pedagogy from Loughborough University and an MA in Design with Teaching and Learning. His recent research explored the work of UX and service designers, translating the findings into a learning design toolkit. James teaches modules including: UX Research and Design, Brand Creation, Creative Problem Solving, and Final Year Project.

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