PhD holders at the boundaries and knowledge brokering

Abstract

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the number ofPhDs pursuing careers at the boundaries between academic andnon-academic sectors, particularly with multiple transitions anddual appointments. However, the professional links that PhDholders pursuing non-academic careers maintain with academiaand how these relate to different knowledge brokering activitiesacross sectors remain unexplored. To fill this gap, 39 PhD holdersworking beyond academia in Spain in the fields of Social Sciences,Humanities, and STEM were interviewed. The results revealed thatPhD holders navigate diverse professional links with academia,including both organisational and individual-based links, and areinvolved in a variety of knowledge brokering activities gathered infour distinct qualitative profiles: the professional co-creator, thevaluable knowledge holder, the bridge builder, and theknowledgeable associate lecturer. The profiles highlighted acomplex relationship with academia, suggesting that in somecases deploying academic links does not secure or explainbrokering activities. Moreover, results underscore the influence ofcareer factors such as the organisational culture and support, theresearch performance in their primary job position, and thedisciplinary background. Several research and practicalimplications of the study are discussed.