Phd position in forest policy

Instrumentation of the Swedish policy
 

Description:

The Swedish forest policy will be the focal subject of this project. Forest policy in Sweden has been for decades characterized by soft instrumentation, primarily relying on advisory services and with limited application of regulatory and economic policy instruments. This orientation was reinforced by policy liberalization in 1993, under the guiding principle of “freedom under responsibility”. The policy shift has been accompanied by clear trends of diminishing resources for forest advisory services at the Swedish Forest Agency; digitalization of forest planning and advisory services; and intensifying debates on balancing timber production versus the environmental values. There is a clear discrepancy between weakened policy instrumentation and the ambitious goals for more varied and climate adapted forestry, which rises a number of interesting research questions.

The study adopts a sociological view of policy instrumentation, emphasizing that instruments are not simply neutral options of choice in a policy toolkit. But instead they are value-bearing policy outcomes manifesting the underlying aims and power structures. Correspondingly, the study will not be limited with producing an “optimized” tool set, but rather conduct a detailed scrutiny of policy instruments including the underlying policy processes and ensuing decision-making routines by the concerned actors. The study will involve extensive documentary research, qualitative interviews and a quantitative forest owner survey.

Qualifications:

Advanced education (Master of Science degree obtained or under finalisation) in forest science, political science, sociology or related disciplines. Knowledge of Swedish language is an important merit. Experience of scientific or practical work across disciplines constitutes an additional merit. Preferred personal characteristics include interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently.

The application must contain: A letter (in English) with expectations on the position and what you personally find interesting within the proposed research subject (max 1 page), CV and contact information to two reference persons.

Place of work: Alnarp

Forms for funding or employment: Employment (4 years) 

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