Strong support from companies for a professional doctorate
Published: 09.12.2025 / Press release / Research
A working group of 13 universities of applied sciences proposes the introduction of a professional doctorate in Finland, in line with established European practice. A recent survey of business leaders shows that there is clear demand for this new type of degree. Half of the company representatives expressed a very or fairly positive attitude towards professional doctorates. Almost as many consider it possible that their company could offer a position for a professional doctoral candidate in the future.
According to a survey conducted by Aula Research on behalf of the universities of applied sciences, 50% of respondents are positive about a professional doctorate, while 40% are neutral or undecided. Only 9% expressed a negative view. Companies also see clear benefits: 49% believe their company could provide a position for a professional doctoral candidate.
"These figures are remarkable given that only 22% of respondents had previously heard of professional doctorates. The spontaneous reception of the initiative by companies is therefore very positive. There is clearly a need for high-level research and development expertise closely linked to working life," says Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä, Vice President of Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), and chair of the working group behind the proposal.
Interest spans companies of all sizes and sectors, but the benefits are seen most clearly in companies with more than 100 employees – and especially those with over 500 employees.
"Larger companies naturally have more opportunities to invest in competence development, research and product development. However, the real game-changer is the SME sector, whose growth and internationalisation drive exports and regional vitality," Ahokallio-Leppälä adds.
Sami Kotiniemi, founder and Chair of the Board at DA-Group, a high-tech company based in Forssa, sees significant advantages in professional doctoral education:
"It combines applied research and practical working life in a very concrete way. We would definitely benefit from this in our product development and research."
Business leaders identified the following key benefits of a professional doctorate:
- Raising the competence level of employees and work communities
- Enhancing the company’s reputation and positioning it as a forerunner
- Conducting research in the company’s own operating environment and creating solutions for real business needs
Pilot proposed for the next government term
In November, the group of universities of applied sciences published its proposal to pilot a professional doctorate programme during the next government term. The proposal stems from concerns about Finland’s declining competitiveness, weakening innovation capability and the risk of falling behind European developments.
A professional doctorate is workplace-oriented, multidisciplinary and solution-driven. It complements the Finnish higher education system and is equivalent to a university doctorate but with a different focus: applied research and development in close cooperation with workplaces. Research topics arise from working life, and solutions are implemented during the doctoral studies.
Survey details
- Conducted by Aula Research on behalf of 12 universities of applied sciences (now 13)
- Target group: CEOs, HR managers and R&D representatives in companies with 10+ employees
- Method: Online survey supplemented by telephone interviews
- Responses: 306 business leaders
- Data collection period: 29 September – 23 October 2025
Read more about the proposal of the pilot project .
This press release is a translation of the pilot project's joint communication.
