Models of engagement for PhDs with non-academic partners

This report explores the evolving models of engagement between PhD candidates at universities of science and technology (S&T) and non-academic partners, such as industry and societal institutions. These partnerships aim to foster societal engagement, enhance innovation efforts, and promote disruptive innovation within Europe. The initiative was set in motion following an interest of our association to explore collaborations beyond academia, with a particular focus on boosting disruptive innovation. CESAER’s Task Force Innovation spearheaded this exploration, outlining a roadmap, conducting focus groups, and interviewing key stakeholders, including universities and industrial partners. The primary objective was to assess the role of industrial doctorates as drivers of innovation within European industry and as a mechanism for bridging academic research with practical applications inside and outside academia. The report is grounded in findings from an online workshop organised by the Task Force Innovation in October 2023. Presentations from representatives of universities across Europe, including Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Ghent University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Stuttgart, provided insights into their models for integrating PhD research with industrial needs. The presentations highlighted the challenges and opportunities for PhD candidates, universities, and industrial partners, with an emphasis on how industrial doctorates can foster innovation and serve the needs of all stakeholders. Throughout the workshop, various strategies were shared for overcoming challenges related to intellectual property rights, publication timelines, and aligning academic and industrial expectations. Additionally, the workshop facilitated discussions on the broader implications of these partnerships for enhancing innovation ecosystems across Europe. This report includes key recommendations to universities, industry leaders, political decision-makers, and European Union institutions on how to further develop and support industrial doctorate programs. These recommendations stress the importance of fostering collaboration, developing clear intellectual property guidelines, and creating pathways to better align the career prospects of PhD candidates with industry needs. By leveraging the collective insights from these partnerships, the report suggests that industrial doctorates can significantly contribute to Europe’s leadership in innovation.