From academia to industry: How PhDs contribute to knowledge and innovation in low-technology industrial districts
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This study examines how PhD holders contribute to knowledge creation, innovation processes, and territorial development within low-tech industrial districts. While prior research has predominantly focused on high-tech and research intensive environments, this paper investigates a Valencian traditional textile district characterised by low- and medium-technology firms. Drawing on 24 semi-structured interviews with PhD holders and business managers, the study adopts an interpretive qualitative approach to analyse how both groups perceive doctoral expertise in non academic settings. The findings reveal contrasting narratives. Some PhD holders experience persistent research–practice gap and difficulties translating academic skills into firm-level impact, while others act as embedded change agents who leverage local networks to foster collaboration and problem-solving. Similarly, employers’ perceptions range from scepticism regarding the relevance of doctoral training to recognition of its transformative potential in innovation and sustainability challenges. The study demonstrates that PhD holders can enhance the innovation capacity of low tech territories when mutual trust, contextual adaptation, and institutional support mechanisms are strengthened. These findings contribute to debates on doctoral employability, knowledge transfer, and regional development by extending the analysis of PhD impact beyond high-technology contexts.
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