۱٫ Doctoral education in knowledge society and knowledge based economy

۲٫ Doctorates in Slovenia – from enrolment to career opportunities

۳٫ Conclusion

Acknowledgements

References

Abstract

Higher education institutions are recognized as key agents of creating knowledge society and knowledge-based economy. In this context, the preparation of doctoral students for careers in various sectors of society is a key task. Recently, the role of doctoral studies has changed significantly. Traditionally, they were treated as an entrance ticket for an academic career, but nowadays the importance of doctoral studies is recognized in various spheres of society. Once considered elite, the PhD graduate nowadays faces an increasing competition. Therefore, when deciding whether to enroll in doctoral studies, they should consider their interests and the needs and demands of the labor market. This paper inversigates the career opportunities of doctoral students in Slovenia

۱٫ Doctoral education in knowledge society and knowledge based economy

Since the adoption of the Lisbon Strategy in 2000 the European Union has been working towards the creation of European knowledge society and knowledge-based economy – an effort that requires cooperation of various actors (COM, 2003). In its documents, the European Commission does not clearly define the term “knowledge society” neither does the term “knowledge-based economy”. Mostly it uses them alternately as synonyms (Valimaa & Hoffman, 2008, p. 275–۲۷۶). In this paper, we use them in the same manner. Through the discourse on knowledge society and knowledge based economy, higher education with its core activities of knowledge production, utilization and dissemination, as well as training of highly skilled labor increasingly has become important for the international competitiveness of countries in the global world. Knowledge and intellectual property seem to be key factors in economic and societal development, and universities key providers of knowledge and human resources aiming at achievement of the common good (Nokkala, 2006, p. 177). The new “mission of universities is to promote cooperation and knowledge transfer to the economy and society” (Probst & Lepori, 2008, p. 479), which results in the increasing importance of applied research. Doctoral studies are one of the most important indicators of knowledge society as well as knowledge based economy, since PhD graduates are the most highly skilled researchers and best qualified for knowledge production, use and dissemination (Auriol, 2010, p. 5–۶). As such, they “provide the essential resource for knowledge-based economy, i.e. new knowledge” (Carter et al., 2010, p. 247).