A study of Science and Technology doctoral degree holders in Sri Lanka and their contributory patterns

Abstract

With the global trend in moving towards a knowledge-based society, the educational qualifications and trained skills of personnel become important since there is a strong link among postgraduate education, research and development (R&D) and economic growth of a particular country. The doctoral degree holders in Science & Technology (S&T) are highly qualified in specialized education with extensive training in research and development. They are capable of conducting independent research. The generated knowledge and technology contribute to innovation, which promotes economic development and social welfare of the people. Therefore, a close study of this knowledge stock and identifying the gaps and constraints for their contributory patterns is important. Recently there has been increasing focus on identifying the value of postgraduate researchers and their contribution to wider economic, social and cultural impacts. Skills of highly competent individuals can lead to better policy making, enhanced economic growth, and improvements in the health and welfare of the people. Casey (2009) takes an economic perspective to explore the impact of doctorates: in particular, what is a doctorate worth and what is the justification for society to support the production of doctorates. A project on doctoral studies and qualifications in Europe and the United States was carried out by Sadlak (2004) and it identified eleven main problems with doctoral education in Europe and USA.