NEWS An evaluation of the Industrial Doctoral School shows that doctoral students, supervisors, and collaboration partners are generally very satisfied with their participation. The doctoral school has helped forge stronger ties between academia and industry, though there are also suggestions for further improvements.
Director Patrik Rydén wants more people to know about the opportunities for collaboration within the Industrial Doctoral School.
ImageMattias PetterssonSince its inception in 2008, the Industrial Doctoral School for Research and Innovation at Umeå University has offered doctoral students a unique opportunity to work in collaborative projects with external organisations. The evaluation, conducted this past spring and based on interviews with doctoral students, supervisors, and partners, reveals that most participants appreciate the structure.
“The Industrial Doctoral School works well, or even excellently, in deepening and developing the collaboration carried out at the university,” says Erik Fahlbeck, the evaluator behind the report.
Doctoral students particularly value the interdisciplinary environment and the opportunity to work closely with external partners. Supervisors point out that collaborating with external partners not only enhances the relevance of research but also opens up new research questions.
For external partners, the Industrial Doctoral School offers significant value. Through the program, partner organisations can tap into Umeå University’s expertise and participate in research projects that contribute to their own development.
The report emphasises that the Industrial Doctoral School helps build “deeper relationships” with external partners, creating long-term benefits and aiding in their growth.
For many, this collaboration also provides insights into how research can be applied in practice and highlights the challenges research can help address. The legitimacy gained through a university partnership further strengthens their credibility, both internally and externally, according to the evaluation.
Doctoral students in the Industrial Doctoral School benefit from combining high-quality research with real-world applications, giving them a distinct competitive edge in the job market. The interdisciplinary environment allows them to view their projects from broader perspectives, which is enriching both professionally and personally.
Despite the positive reception, there is room for development.
“The Industrial Doctoral School has the potential to evolve further, and we continually review how we can improve both processes and collaboration, especially in internships,” says Patrik Rydén, Director of the Industrial Doctoral School.
The evaluation underscores the importance of increasing awareness about the Industrial Doctoral School, both within the university and externally, to attract more organisations, particularly from the private sector.
“We need to improve our communication on the tangible benefits the Industrial Doctoral School offers both our researchers and collaboration partners,” says Patrik Rydén.