Purist or pragmatist? UK doctoral scientists’ moral positions on the knowledge economy

Abstract

Doctoral scientists increasingly forge non-academic careers after completing the doctorate. Governments and industry in advanced economies welcome this trend, since it complements the ‘knowledge economy’ vision that has come to dominate higher education globally. Knowledge economy stakeholders consider doctoral scientists to constitute particularly high-value human capital; primed to contribute to economic growth via the creation and application of scientific knowledge. Little is known, however, about doctoral scientists’ awareness of, and attitudes towards, the knowledge economy. This paper reports a study of UK doctoral scientists, which reveals that they are aware of, but ideologically divided towards, the knowledge economy. The knowledge economy relates to their scientific motivations, values and aspirations in complex ways. Four moral positions emerge, ranging from ‘anti’ to ‘pro’ knowledge economy. We discuss the characteristics of each moral position, concluding with the need for doctoral scientists to adopt better informed and more flexible professional outlooks