Strategic Plan 2026-2028
At the Doctoral School, we have set ourselves the strategic goal of consolidating the UPC doctoral program as an international benchmark for excellence, quality, and competitiveness. We aim to position our institution among the leaders in Europe for doctoral training, complementing the research strength of our UPC research groups with high-quality training and the impact our doctoral graduates have on society and the productive sector.
The mission of the Doctoral School is to support and strengthen this high-level research activity through a modern, efficient, and people-centered academic, administrative, and training structure. Establishing the UPC doctorate as a globally recognized brand requires a clear commitment to internationalization, innovation, well-being, and knowledge transfer.
This plan outlines three strategic challenges, which are summarized in the following figure:
CHALLENGE 1
To place the doctoral candidate and the supervisor at the center of a doctoral ecosystem of excellence, internationalization, and comprehensive support.
CHALLENGE 2
Driver of knowledge transfer, advanced employability, and socioeconomic connection.
CHALLENGE 3
Governance based on quality, continuous assessment, and shared improvement.
1.1 Training of Excellence
Ensure doctoral training aligned with international quality standards. (Funding, internationalization, quality of supervision)
1.2 Integrated Management Model
Consolidate digital, agile, and efficient management for tutors, directors, and coordinators..
1.3 Institutional Communication
Design a two-way, transparent, and proactive model with the entire community.
1.4 Identity and Well-being
Responsible AI + Strengthening the sense of belonging and improving emotional health and academic well-being.
2.1 Talent Attraction
Improve the promotion of and support for attracting talent (industrial doctorates, business collaboration, and knowledge transfer).
2.2 Cross-disciplinary Training
Promote training aimed at students' professional development, leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
2.3 UPC Doctoral Alumni Network
To foster an active and structured network that promotes mentoring and connections with the productive and social environment.
3.1 Program Catalog
Academic quality, sustainability, demand, and impact.
- Analysis of the environment and supply
- Guidelines and support for coordinators and CAs
- Continue strengthening the ED quality policy
3.2 Best practices in doctoral program management
Ensuring quality in doctoral program management
- Benchmarking and positioning of doctoral networks
- Erasmus Staff Week Organization
By clicking on each strategic challenge, you can view the associated objectives.
The development process was carried out in alignment with the new UPC Action Plan—approved in 2026—which serves as the institutional framework for implementing the University’s strategic priorities. Accordingly, the Doctoral School’s strategic plan was conceived as an instrument aligned with the UPC’s overall strategy and its commitments regarding quality, research, internationalization, talent attraction and support, knowledge transfer, social responsibility, and continuous improvement.
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