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The determinants of firms' PhD recruitment to undertake R&D activities

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  • Herrera, Liliana
  • Nieto, Mariano

Abstract

We have analysed the determinant factors which condition firms' employment of PhDs to undertake R&D activities. It has been traditionally thought that doctorate holders are employed only to generate and absorb scientific knowledge; nonetheless, our study has also revealed that there are additional reasons to employ PhD graduates. We have used an upstream–downstream approach of the innovation process, to establish which contingencies of this process increase the number of PhD holders in firms. We have focused on four contingencies: R&D cooperation, types of R&D activities, failures in the innovation process and key information sources to put into motion the innovation process. Results of this study have confirmed that PhD holders not only play upstream roles in the innovation process but in addition also downstream tasks undertaking knowledge exploitation activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Herrera, Liliana & Nieto, Mariano, 2015. "The determinants of firms' PhD recruitment to undertake R&D activities," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 132-142.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eurman:v:33:y:2015:i:2:p:132-142
    DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2014.10.003
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    3. Fabiano, Gianluca & Marcellusi, Andrea & Favato, Giampiero, 2021. "R versus D, from knowledge creation to value appropriation: Ownership of patents filed by European biotechnology founders," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    4. Herrera, Liliana & Nieto, Mariano, 2016. "PhD careers in Spanish industry: Job determinants in manufacturing versus non-manufacturing firms," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 113(PB), pages 341-351.
    5. Afcha, S. & García-Quevedo, J. & Mas-Verdú, F., 2023. "Gaining or losing PhDs: What are the effects on firms' linkages with universities?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 186(PA).
    6. Barge-Gil, Andres & D'Este, Pablo & Herrera, Liliana, 2018. "Corporate scientists as the triggers of transitions towards firms' exploration research strategies," MPRA Paper 85415, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    PhD employment; PhD mobility; PhD careers; PhD recruitment; Innovation management; Knowledge transfer;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J44 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Professional Labor Markets and Occupations
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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