Doctorate Holders’ Labor Market and Mobility: The Academic Career as the First Choice

Abstract

Doctoral graduates account for a relatively small proportion of the overall population but their importance is widely recognised (OECD 2010). Having benefitted from highly specialised research training and produced an original contribution to science, doctorate holders are expected to play a key role in the knowledge economy as they stand in a position to drive forward advances in science, technology and knowledge about society. Evidence on the careers of doctorate holders (CDH) and their contribution to science, innovation and the economy is of high relevance not only to policy decision makers and governments who finance the training of this group of individuals and support their integration in the innovation system; but also to prospective employers in search of specific skills for their workforce; and the individuals themselves who consider whether to pursue doctorate studies and proceed with research or unrelated careers. This paper provides an overview of the key statistical and analytical findings that draw on data from the second international CDH data collection conducted in 2010, as well as some complementary sources. Box 1 provides further details on this project.