PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) Innovative PhDs: University of Bologna Partners with Companies to Boost Research and Innovation

Supported by Next Generation EU - PNRR funding, the University of Bologna is leveraging its resources and expertise to initiate PhD projects in collaboration with the regional and national industrial business scene. This presents a valuable opportunity for all companies to prioritise innovation and enhance their competitiveness.

Last year, the University of Bologna stood out as the top Italian university in terms of launched PNRR PhDs with companies and as the top recipient of funding, receiving 6 million euros from the Ministry and an additional 7 million euros from companies, exceeding the national average. The commitment in this direction is confirmed for the upcoming academic year: the University of Bologna strives to educate highly specialised PhD candidates, who are not only prepared for an academic path but also equipped with skills ideal for the job market.

The innovative PhD programmes co-funded by the PNRR are explicitly tailored to address the innovation requirements of companies. As a result, these companies are directly engaged in shaping the research topics. PhD students will develop part of their research project within the company, providing them with the opportunity to acquire specialised skills and expertise. This experience may also open potential job opportunities for them.

PhD scholarships funded by the PNRR can cover a wide range of fields, including artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, health, digitisation, Industry 4.0. The opportunity spans across all dimensions of a company, covering innovation, management, human resources, legal aspects, administration, communication, research and development, and production. A multi-disciplinary university like the University of Bologna is well-equipped to address diverse innovation needs and accommodate all product sectors of interest to companies.

The co-funding of a PNRR PhD scholarship provides companies with the chance to engage in the selection process and assess the suitability of candidates concerning the specific research topic supported. Companies can also designate a co-supervisor to oversee the activities conducted by the PhD student, involving a research period lasting from 6 to 18 months within the company.

Thanks to these PhD programmes, companies will have the opportunity to work closely with highly qualified young researchers, providing them with a stimulating environment to develop innovative solutions, creating value and contributing to Italy’s development. PhD students will be able to develop the capacity to conduct original, innovative and independent research within a specific field and acquire important transversal skills that go beyond the mastery of a specialised subject: such as the ability to address complex problems, deal with the unexpected, work in a team and communicate the results of their work efficiently.

The Call for Selection for candidates wishing to pursue a PhD programme in collaboration with companies will be published in mid-July and will close in mid-August. Until the end of July, companies will have the opportunity to express their interest in opening positions for PhD candidates, focusing on topics that align with their interests.