The skill matching challenge : learning from intersectoral stakeholders to boost career opportunities of marine and maritime sciences doctorate holders. The SEU-EU DOC project experience

Abstract

With the long-standing bottleneck for stable jobs in academia and the increasing attractivity of applying scientific knowledge for societal problem-solving, preparing doctorate holders for the non-university job market is imperative. The traditional academic career path, often seen as the primary or even the sole trajectory for doctorate graduates, has become increasingly competitive and saturated. This reality leaves many highly qualified individuals in precarious positions or forces them to seek alternative careers without adequate preparation or guidance. Recognizing this pressing issue, the SEA-EU DOC Erasmus+ project performed a comprehensive study involving intersectoral stakeholders in six European countries to identify the skills that doctorate holders in Marine and Maritime Sciences require to improve their employment opportunities outside academia. The study aimed to bridge the gap between the skills acquired during doctoral training and those demanded by non-academic employers, mainly in sectors linked to marine and maritime sciences. For this purpose, online questionnaires, including surveys and a Delphi analysis, were carried out to gather quantitative data and insights from a broad range of stakeholders. Also, face-to-face meetings through focus groups and two multiplier events were conducted with stakeholders to facilitate in-depth discussions and qualitative assessments of the current state and future needs of doctoral training. Finally, interviews were performed with doctors working in the marine and maritime economy sector to identify and compare the competencies acquired during the doctoral studies with those needed in the labour market. The results indicated that, in addition to the conventional preparation of doctorate holders for academic careers, universities need to actively promote the skills of their graduates among non-academic sectors. For universities to effectively facilitate this transition, they need to strengthen their collaboration with the non-academic R&D sector. This includes establishing partnerships with industries and organizations that can provide practical experience and exposure to real-world challenges. An effective way to implement these is through the promotion of industrial doctorate programs, since they provide doctorate holders with the opportunity to work on industry-relevant projects while completing their academic training. This approach not only enhances the employability of doctorate holders but also fosters innovation and knowledge transfer between academia and industry. Furthermore, doctoral training programs need to be adapted to include the most important transversal skills needed in the non-academic sector. These skills go beyond technical expertise and encompass a range of competencies such as innovation and creativity, teamwork capacity, complex-problem resolution, leadership or creativity. By integrating these skills into doctoral curricula, universities can better prepare their graduates for diverse career paths. By taking these steps, doctorate holders will be better equipped to strengthen their collaboration with non-academic sectors. They will be able to adapt to the expectations and demands of these sectors and contribute to meeting the needs of blue sustainable development. Moreover, these measures will help doctorate holders to enjoy fulfilling and rewarding careers that utilize their advanced skills and knowledge.