Enhancing the value of PhDs to Australian industry

This report provides an overview of how [Doctor of Philosophy] PhD candidates and holders (PhDs) are currently delivering value to industry, and explores opportunities to further enhance this value. It is based on work undertaken by the Nous Group in late 2016 on behalf of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN). The content draws on previous Australian and international reviews, coupled with interviews and working sessions with university leaders and industry experts, and a survey of industry and business leaders from across a diverse range of organisations. The findings and recommendations inform policy debate regarding PhDs and industry engagement and collaboration while also investigating the role that PhDs play in driving Australia's innovation ecosystem.

The findings of the report are: (1) PhDs are important to enable industry innovation and economic growth; (2) industry is already benefiting from PhD collaboration; (3) barriers exist which prevent optimal PhD industry collaboration and integration; (4) universities are actively engaged in equipping PhDs with skills that increase employability; and (5) scaling up and improving visibility of existing mechanisms has shown to help industry and PhDs engage with each other.

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