The aim of an industrial PhD is to promote collaboration and knowledge transfer between the business world and university doctoral programmes by training young researchers (R&D&i). 

The essential component is a strategic project of the company or institution where the doctoral student is rendering their services, which will culminate in the writing of their doctoral thesis.

The Industrial PhD is regulated by RD 99/2011 regulating doctoral teachings.

The Industrial PhD is an honorific qualification granted under the doctoral degree when the following requirements are met:

  • The doctoral student enters into an employment or business contract with a public or a private sector company or with a public authority.
  • Participation by the doctoral student is a research project being carried out at the company or public authority where they are rendering their services.
  • This project must be closely related to the subject of their doctoral thesis.
  • The University will assign a thesis tutor to the doctoral student and an overseer appointed by the company or public authority, who may, when appropriate, be the thesis supervisor if the requirements of RD 99/2011 are met.
  • If the industrial research or experimental development project is carried out collaboratively between the University and the company or public authority where the doctoral student is rendering their services, a collaboration agreement will be entered into by the parties concerned. Such agreement will stipulate the duties of the University and of the company or public authority, as well as the doctoral student selection procedure. 

For the doctoral student

  • Enhancement of their CV by participating in an R&D project, enjoying an employment contract in a company committed to research and innovation.
  • Tutoring and monitoring of the doctoral thesis project by both the company and the university.
  • The possibility of obtaining grants for complementary training, international stays abroad, attending conferences, etc., that will facilitate the necessary contacts and relations to be able to develop their academic and professional career.

For the company

  • The incorporation of people with innovative knowledge and skills. 
  • Access to cutting edge university research groups and centres, with added facilities and infrastructures.
  • The possibility of obtaining financial aid or tax deductions and allowances for R&D&i activities.

For the University

  • Contribution to social development, increasing the potential for innovation of the socioeconomic fabric.
  • Adaptation of the training of research staff in an environment of demanding feasibility and quality.
  • Establishment of relations with companies interested in developing and improving their area of knowledge.

Some of the images and videos we publish are originals from the website of the Catalan Government’s Industrial PhD website.