Doctoral Degree – An Opportunity for the Economy or the Academy? The Case of Slovenia

Today, higher education institutions are recognised as the key agent in creating knowledge society and knowledge-based economy. The key task to achieve this objective is to prepare doctoral students for careers in various sectors of society, especially in the economy. In the past few years, the role of doctoral studies has changed significantly. If they were traditionally treated as an entrance ticket for academic career, nowadays we recognise the importance of doctors of philosophy in various spheres of society. Our paper deals with doctoral students in terms of their employability, i.e. whether they have an opportunity to work in the economy or higher education. In accordance with this perspective, we provide statistics on the enrolment in and completion of doctoral studies, which indicate the need for a thorough market analysis and the modernisation of doctoral study programmes so that they will prepare future doctors of philosophy for careers in various sectors, especially in the economy. On the one hand, we have witnessed a significant increase in the enrolment in doctoral studies, and on the other, an increase in the number of unemployed doctors of philosophy. Once elite, doctors of philosophy today face an increasing competition, which is why individuals should in making their decision whether to enrol in doctoral studies or not take into account their own interests and the needs and demands of the labour market.