Abstract:

To expand its role in science, technology and innovation, the European Union (EU) needs to get more and better researchers and to optimize the use of these human resources. Innovation and entrepreneurial skills are key in the emergence of highly dynamic innovation districts, and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must play a central role in training these capacities. Current trends in innovation driven research includes a strong move into social and sustainability-driven innovation; the more influential role of stakeholders such as innovation clusters, digital hubs, local and regional development agencies, and other support organisations; and the merge of products and services in different sectors, such as silver economy, into business model innovation. Innovation is not only a part of ecosystems collaboration, but it is also its concrete methods and models. The development of students as future entrepreneurs can play a critical role in stimulating levels of social and economic activities, with an especial focus in PhD students because the direct link between doctoral studies and knowledge generation in HEIs. At University of Santiago de Compostela, its International PhD School has developed a module in research, innovation, and transfer competences, including trainings about how to transfer a thesis to society within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); sustainability, research, and international cooperation within the 2030 Agenda; and a gender perspective as a model of knowledge. The Senior Innovation Lab (SIL) has been recognized for doctoral students within this module. SIL is a specific training in innovation and entrepreneur skills in the context of longevity developed by the Masters Degrees in Psychogerontology and Gerontology within the INnoVation and ENTrepreneurship in HEIs (INVENTHEI) project. The experience of the PhD students within the second edition of the SIL is presented. Recommendation includes shorter programmes, blended methodologies, and a more knowledge-based approach, complementing a person-centred needs assessment. According to the needs detected in this and other initiatives for doctoral students within the INVENTHEI project, a curriculum for postgraduate entrepreneurship training is being designed centred on challenged-based multidisciplinary learning and innovation driven research.

Keywords:

Innovation Driven Research, PhD students, Higher Education Institutions, Entrepreneurship Education.