OECD/UNESCO Institute for Statistics/Eurostat Careers of Doctorate Holders (CDH) project

Objectives

Human resources are recognised as being key to the creation, commercialisation and diffusion of innovation. Among them, doctorate holders are not only the most qualified in terms of educational attainment, but also those who are specifically trained to conduct research. Not much is known however about their career and mobility patterns on the labour market. This is why the OECD launched in 2004 a collaborative project with the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and Eurostat aimed at developing internationally comparable indicators on the careers and mobility of doctorate holders.  An expert group with representatives from national statistical bodies was formed to develop the technical components of the project and start compiling data at national level.

Technical components of the project

• STI Working Paper 2007/6
• Methodological Guidelines
• Core Model Questionnaire
• Instruction Manual for Completing the Questionnaire
• CDH Output Indicators Tables
  

First data collection

A first data collection was organised in 2005 and data received for seven countries. To see the results, click here.

Upcoming events

• An International Conference on the Careers and Mobility of Doctorate Holders will be organised in Brussels on 1st December 2008. Click here for further information.

• The above conference will be followed by a Technical Meeting of the Expert Group on Careers of Doctorate Holders in Brussels on 2 December. Click here for further information.

Further links of interest

National Science Foundation work
Statistics Canada work