Virtual and digital economy; Call expression of interest MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship

Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management

Organisation / Company Polytechnic University of Bari Department Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

This research project invites proposals exploring the transformation of economic activities brought about by technological advancements such as metaverse platforms, blockchain-based tokens, and other virtual and digital infrastructures. These developments are reshaping how companies design and deliver value, and how consumers engage with products, services, and brands.

A range of methodologies—qualitative (case studies, multiple case studies), quantitative (data crawling, econometric modeling, simulations, surveys, text mining), and mixed methods—can be considered to analyze these phenomena. The ultimate goal is to define models, tools, and policy recommendations to better understand and manage the new paradigms emerging from virtual and digital innovation.

Proposals are encouraged in (but not limited to) the following areas:

• Mapping and modeling business model innovation in the context of the metaverse and token economy;
• Analyzing the economic impact of virtualization and digitalization in business processes;
• Studying consumer behavior in virtual and hybrid business environments;
• Understanding and managing virtualization processes
  , including their strategic, operational, and organizational implications;
• Designing governance models for virtual platforms and decentralized ecosystems;
• Investigating the dark side of virtual and digital economies, including ethical, psychological, and regulatory risks.

This topic is particularly suited for candidates with interests in innovation management, digital transformation, behavioral economics, platform strategy, computer science, data analytics, and emerging technologies. Proposals may address theoretical, empirical, or policy-oriented dimensions and can be focused on specific sectors or cross‑industry analyses.

Candidates should provide detailed CV

Candidates must be eligible according to the criteria established by the 2026 MSCA Postdoctoral fellowship call:

• to have a PhD by the call deadline.
• to have up to 8 years of research experience after PhD.
• to be citizens of an EU State or of an Associated Country.
• not to have resided or carried out their main activity in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the call deadline.