University-industry collaboration in the design and functioning of a doctoral programme in business science

Abstract

This study analyses the creation of an innovative doctoral program in Portugal, aimed at management professionals and guided by a strong interaction between the university and industry. In the current global economy, frequently punctuated by sharp disruptions, firms are expected to develop innovative responses and workers are expected to acquire new skills. In this context, university–industry cooperation becomes increasingly important for promoting economic growth and enhancing competitiveness. This cooperation is bidirectional, bringing benefits to both parts. On the one hand, universities transfer knowledge and technology to companies allowing them to create value and to innovate in their processes and products. On the other hand, collaboration with firms allows universities to refine their teaching and research strategies by realising the implications of knowledge production for the economy and society. Thus, it is assumed that doctoral programs can be an important channel of knowledge and technology transfer from the university to the industry, particularly if both parties are involved in their conception. The paper start by identifying the premises for, and describing the experience of designing of PhD programme in Management, in close collaboration with firms, whose aims were: i) to fulfil the university's mission of transferring knowledge to companies and society through the creation of taught programmes, and ii) to respond to the need for the university's research from society and specifically from firms whose value creation depends on innovation and knowledge creation and therefore on advanced skills and competences. This will then be followed by an analysis of how the programme works and which factors account for Doctoral students’ and firms' interest in this PhD programme.