Employer, industry and policymaker views on doctorate education

Abstract

As society undergoes green and digital transitions, various policymakers such as the European Commission expect universities to contribute to innovation and progress. As education's highest achieving graduates, the doctorate holder may be key in this era of innovation and problem-solving. As academic career prospects dwindle, and PhD graduates increasingly enter industry, academic research has highlighted that traditional PhD programmes may not provide the required skills and knowledge for the workforce today. To learn how best to address such issues, we consulted thirteen EU policy documents and industry-led reports; and interviewed thirteen employers to add their voice to the discussion. Findings align with previous reports of a lack of transferable skills, but also introduce new concerns such as the desire for adaptability, experience, and redefining skills with regards to self-presentation. We discuss interdisciplinarity and intersectorality as potential solutions to addressing these needs.