Admission
Can Strategic Renewable Energy Investments Drive Indonesia’s Economic Growth? An Integrated Input–Output, CGE, and Bibliometric Analysis

    Eligibility: Indonesian nationals
    Duration: Full-Time – between three and four years fixed term
    Application deadline: 29 April 2026
    Interview date: 4 – 8 May 2026
    Start date: August 2026

    For further details contact: Ir. Dzikri Firmansyah Hakam, Pg. Dip, M.Sc., Ph.D (Institut Teknologi Bandung) and Dr. Mehtap Hisarciklilar (Coventry University)

    Introduction

    Achieving Indonesia’s 8% economic growth target requires identifying sectors capable of generating strong multiplier effects and driving structural transformation. Renewable energy investments, particularly under the Strategic National Projects (PSN) framework, are increasingly positioned not only as instruments of decarbonisation but also as potential engines of economic growth.

    However, there remains limited empirical evidence on how such investments translate into real-sector expansion through output, value-added, employment creation, and intersectoral linkages, as well as how the academic and policy discourse on this topic has evolved.

    This PhD project adopts an integrated mixed-method quantitative approach, combining:

    • Bibliometric analysis to map global research trends, identify knowledge gaps, and position Indonesia’s renewable energy investment within the broader literature
    • Input–Output (IO) analysis to estimate sectoral multipliers and inter-industry linkages
    • Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling to capture economy-wide adjustments, including resource reallocation, price dynamics, and potential crowding-out effects

    The research aims to provide a comprehensive and multi-layered assessment of whether renewable energy investments can act as a meaningful driver of Indonesia’s economic growth.

    Project details

    The successful candidate will undertake research at the intersection of energy economics, macroeconomic modeling, and development policy, structured around three integrated components:

    1. Bibliometric and Literature Mapping
    • Mapping global research trends on renewable energy investment, economic growth, and structural transformation
    • Identifying key research clusters, influential studies, and gaps, particularly in the context of developing economies and Indonesia
    1. Input–Output Analysis of Economic Multipliers
    • Estimating output, value-added, and employment multipliers from renewable energy investments
    • Analysing backward and forward linkages across sectors
    • Assessing domestic value creation and potential import leakage
    1. CGE Modelling and Policy Impact Assessment
    • Simulating economy-wide impacts of renewable energy investments using CGE modelling
    • Evaluating resource reallocation, price dynamics, and sectoral adjustments
    • Assessing the contribution of renewable energy investments toward Indonesia’s 8% economic growth target and identifying policy implications

    Funding

    Tuition fees and bursary from LPDP, PDDI or potentially ITB/CU

    Benefits

    • Full doctoral supervision from ITB and Coventry University
    • Access to structured research training programmes
    • Opportunities for international collaboration and publication
    • Membership in Coventry University’s Doctoral and Researcher College, providing professional development and career supportEntry requirements
    • The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.

    Entry requirements

    Applicants should hold a strong undergraduate or master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as:

    • Economics, Energy Economics,, or Engineering, or related fields

    Essential Criteria

    • A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).
    • Strong quantitative and analytical skills

    Desirable Skills

    • Interest in economic growth, structural transformation, and energy transition policy
    • Exposure to quantitative modelling or programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or GAMS)
    • Basic understanding or willingness to learn Input–Output (IO) analysis and/or Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling
    • Interest in empirical economic modelling and data-driven analysis
    • Familiarity with bibliometric analysis tools (e.g., VOSviewer, Biblioshiny) is an advantage
    • Experience with data handling, analysis, and visualisation is desirable

    For more information on the application requirements for ITB, click here, and for Coventry University, click here.

    Please contact for informal inquiries: Ir. Dzikri Firmansyah Hakam, Pg. Dip, M.Sc., Ph.D (Institut Teknologi Bandung) and Dr. Mehtap Hisarciklilar (Coventry University)