Eligibility: Indonesian/International graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – three years fixed term
Application deadline: 22 April – 20 May 2025
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: September 2025
For further details contact: Assoc. Prof. Yuliani Dwi Lestari (Institut Teknologi Bandung) and Prof. Benny Tjahjono (Coventry University)
Introduction
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, driven by shorter product lifecycles and increasing consumer demand. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced high-tech products, such as smart appliances and renewable energy storage systems, presents a new wave of e-waste challenges. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2023, approximately 62 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide. It is projected to reach 74 million metric tons by 2030, with only 23% is properly collected and recycled. This large number has the potential to cause various risks of soil and water contamination, affecting ecosystems, agricultural productivity and environment, as well as serious health issues.
Current linear waste management practices characterised by take, make, dispose. It fails to fully utilise the valuable materials embedded in e-waste, such as rare earth metals, and exacerbate environmental degradation. Thus, a transition to a circular economy ‘e-waste management’ could provide a sustainable alternative.
Although e-waste management best practices have been implemented in several developed countries such as Germany, Sweden, USA, Japan, and South Korea, there are still many challenges faced such as high consumption and rapid turnover, illegal export, and uneven public awareness. Unlike developed countries, developing countries face more complex challenges, such as policy and regulation gaps, lack of infrastructure, informal recycling sectors and other operational problems. But in general, the fundamental problem faced by both is how to ensure that the circular economy transition principle can be implemented thoroughly without being hampered by technological and economic barriers.
Project details
With such a complex problem, a comprehensive approach that integrates social, technological and policy aspects is crucial. In this regard, Socio-technical systems theory is widely applied in complex systems like e-waste management. It examines the interplay between social and technical components within a system, emphasising that successful outcomes depend on their alignment. In the context of e-waste and the circular economy, the theory highlights how technological innovations (e.g., recycling technologies, product design, value chain processes) interact with social factors (e.g., consumer behaviour, trends and consumer decision making), as well as policy factors (e.g., regulatory frameworks, economic incentives). It emphasises the need for holistic approaches that address technical capabilities alongside human, organisational, and societal dynamics.
Thus, a comparative study comparing how e-waste management strategies in developed and developing countries is critical to provide scientific and practical contributions in the context of circular economy. In general, the research objectives include:
- To analyse the current state of e-waste management systems globally, with case studies in Indonesia and the UK.
- To identify barriers to implementing circular economy principles in e-waste management, such as regulatory gaps, technological limitations, and socio-economic hurdles.
- To propose a conceptual framework as the basis to construct ‘transition strategy’ that contextually appropriate between developed-developing countries for e-waste management.
This research will be led by a team from SBM ITB (Indonesia) together with Coventry University (UK) by involving postgraduate students through a dual-degree doctoral level. Through a comparative analysis and case study approach, the expected outcomes are as follows:
- Case study of e-waste in Indonesia and the UK (e.g., EV Battery, renewable energy storage system or other relevant electronic waste).
- Development of a framework for integrating circular economy principles into e-waste management, emphasising socio-technical system.
- A roadmap for technological innovation, to enhance social and economic viability.
- Transition strategy – ensuring a phased and inclusive approach, addressing infrastructure development, value chain processes, partnership and public engagement, while fostering a sustainable transition to a circular e-waste economy.
- Policy recommendations for governments to hold manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products.
Funding
Tuition fees and bursary
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
Entry requirements
Candidates to this program should apply and meet the entry requirements for both the School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB) and Coventry University. The Entry Requirements for the SBM ITB can be found in [the SBM ITB admission page]. The entry requirements for Coventry University may be different, please consult with the admission office of the university.
Additional requirements
Applicants should apply for and meet the entry requirements of both Coventry University and ITB.
How to apply
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2,000 word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
Please contact for informal enquiries: Assoc. Prof. Yuliani Dwi Lestari (ITB) or Prof. Benny Tjahjono (Coventry University)