‘PhD Pathways: Bridging research and industry’ webinar summary and recording
How do we turn advanced research into real-world value and careers?
In this session, Professor Carlo Harvey (SODA, Manchester Metropolitan University) shares practical models for connecting PhD research to industry, with case studies from Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and graduate success stories.
Expect actionable strategies for collaboration, employability, and innovation pipelines across creative tech, AI and graphics.
Why bridge research and industry?
Carlo starts the webinar by speaking about the importance of connecting research to industry roles.
He highlights the fact that only approximately 30% of PhD graduates stay in academia. The world needs deep thinkers and skills gained from a PhD outside of academia, so this number is not supposed to be disheartening to PhD candidates.
Therefore, bridging the gap between research and industry is not just important from an employability standpoint, but also that outside sectors can benefit from insights, ideas, and innovations developed through doctoral study reach.
Carlo also highlights how this transition into industry isn’t a detour; it is part of the value chain of the research and innovation proposition.
What are the challenges in transition?
- Skill translation
- Employer perception
- Skills gap
- Networking
- Culture and pace
Academia has its own distinct style of communication, which can be challenging for those transitioning to industry. To succeed outside academia, it’s important to present your work in a clear, accessible, and business-oriented way.
Carlo speaks about how the key differentiator is that these sectors operate in separate ‘ecosystems. Academia is built around publications and conferences and grants, while industries is built around clients, deliverables, and commercial impact.
Networking is another challenge; you need to make yourself visible to a different audience. Internships, project-based work and schemes can help with this. Connect with alumni and reach out to potential employers.
What do employers look for?
- Problem solving
- Quick learning
- Technical expertise
- Communication
- Project management
- Creativity
Employers not only hire for the clear technical skills PhD students learn, but also the mindset the overall programme provides.
Problem solving, critical thinking, adaptability and quick learning. These are key skills that employers look for in industry. Especially in a world where technologies and business models shift constantly.
Communication is key. Employers will want to know you can communicate in an accessible way with people without an academic background and can collaborate with people outside of your discipline.
The ability to lead projects, identify opportunities, and challenge assumptions constructively is highly valued in industry. If you’ve led your research with independence and creativity, you already possess many of the qualities hiring managers are looking for.
Strategies for success
Carlo’s first tip is to build transferable skills intentionally.
Employers want people who can deliver, lead, and communicate. Reflect on where you might be lacking and attend things like workshops to build these skills.
Carlo then highlights the HIRES PhD framework. It is built from interviews with PhD graduates and employers to identify 8 essential skills from human and digital literacy to research, insight and professionalism.
You can use it as a lens to reframe your PhD journey into strengths employers understand.
Mentorship is another strategy, with many discipline-specific schemes. Also, engage with your university’s career services.
Finally, focus on visibility and mindset. Build networks that extend beyond your field. Seek opportunities to collaborate on applied projects and remember that your first job may not be in your exact niche.
UK programmes and pathways
Knowledge transfer partnership (KTP)
They are a 12-to-36-month programme, where a PhD graduate is embedded in a company to solve a real innovation challenge, supported by both academics and industry supervisors.
Carlo uses the examples of some of his students who did a KTP and then went on to be hired by the organisation.
Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA)
The IDLA programme, managed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), funds four-year doctoral studentships that combine academic research with business or industry collaboration.
Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs)
These are structured PhD programmes that integrate academic research with practical skills development, often in partnership with industry.
Carlo mentions the unique aspect of these programmes as they are cohort-based, so you can learn and network with peers.
Global Programmes
- CIFRE (France)
- Industrial PhD (Denmark)
- Mitacs (Canada)
These programmes work similar to the UK counterparts, integrating industry experience with study.
Fellowships and advanced programmes
- Societies and academies
- Industrial Fellowships
These schemes provide support for researcher training, career development, and knowledge exchange.
University-industry collaboration
Collaboration between universities and industry is not just a one-way benefit.
It creates genuine two-way value for both sides.
Companies can bring PhD researchers into their teams, gaining access to cutting-edge thinking, fresh methods, new insights, and problem-solving capabilities that strengthen their business and innovation pipelines.
UKRI and Innovate UK have found that firms engaging with universities are significantly more likely to develop new products, services, and processes.
For the students, programmes like KTPs and IDLA studentships offer tangible benefits; 70% of KTP associates get job offers from the company who hosted them.
Action plan and reflection
- Audit your skills
- Close knowledge gaps
- Build strategic networks
- Refine your story
- Set long-term goals
Transitioning into industry is not passive; it requires intention and strategy. Carlo recommends taking ownership of your journey and to see yourself as a high-potential project that someone would want to invest in.
Reflect on what you’ve built during your PhD, including leadership, resilience, and creativity, not just technical skills. Identify areas for growth, such as business acumen, stakeholder communication, or digital fluency.
Seek projects that help you develop these skills and grow your network through alumni and cross-sector events. Industry often hires through relationships and recommendations, so staying visible is important.
Sharpen your narrative. Be able to explain why you want to work in industry and the unique value your doctoral experience brings. Define your long-term goals and take concrete steps now, because your transition begins the moment you start approaching it with purpose.
Impact and innovation
Focus on tangible impact, not just theory. Aim for research that leads to measurable outcomes; patterns, prototypes, demos, exhibits, or products. Some of the most successful transitions happen when PhDs tackle real-world challenges from the start.
This impact is what generates influence. Carlo uses the example of research that informs governmental policy.
These are the kinds of initiatives that drive change and align with the government’s focus and are known as the Triple Helix model, where universities, industry, and government collaborate through shared infrastructure.
Final takeaway
PhDs are not just a luxury; they are a national asset.
You are trained to navigate complexity and build what doesn’t yet exist.
Government initiatives like the UK Innovation Strategy and the Science and Technology Framework call for deeper collaboration between universities and industry to drive economic growth.
This is your moment: stay a step ahead, translate your impact, and help shape the UK’s future economy.
The future belongs to researchers who turn their skills, developed with passion and effort, into meaningful action.
Q&A
Meet the Host
Carlo Harvey
Professor Carlo Harvey is Professor of Digital Arts at Metropolitan University’s School of Digital Arts (SODA), where he leads research and teaching at the intersection of creative technologies, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and acoustics.
His work spans industry collaboration, innovation in digital practices, and developing the next generation of talent in the creative and technology sectors.
Carlo has successfully supervised PhD students who have gone on to careers with organisations such as Matterport, Holosphere, Sony PlayStation, and Siemens.
He has also overseen high-impact Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects, including collaborations with SBS Insurance Services and Diamond Centre Wales, demonstrating how research can directly drive industry innovation and growth.
Carlo is passionate about creating pathways from advanced research to industry impact, ensuring that postgraduate training equips graduates to shape the future of digital innovation.
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