U2B: first entrepreneurship and business course for PhD graduates at UAB

European Master in Transfusion Medicine and Advanced Cell Therapies

Today's world needs close ties between universities and businesses, and it is young PhD holders who will lead and actively promote means by which to accomplish this. This challenge has led UAB to create the first entrepreneurship and business course for doctoral students and recent graduates: U2B: From University to Business.

17/01/2012

Collaboration between universities and businesses is one of the pillars of an economy based on knowledge and innovation. The new doctoral programme additionally offers students a context in which they will be able to enhance their skills and become familiar with the business world, thereby expanding the quantity and quality of possible professional options.

Recent studies reveal that in Spain less than 16% of doctoral graduates work in the business sector, compared to countries in which businesses have long since committed themselves to innovation and interaction with the academic sector, where percentages can reach up to 40%. There is no doubt that the hiring of PhD holders is essential for the development of new products and market strategies, and that these graduates are better prepared and have acquired more skills needed to begin their professional careers.

The course U2B: From University to Business will provide UAB doctoral graduates with an integrated basis of knowledge and critical elements in entrepreneurship and business management, with practical aspects needed to become an entrepreneur, specific examples of businesses created from innovative initiatives, and will boost and encourage their entrepreneurial spirit. The final objective of the course is to broaden the amount of possibilities doctoral graduates have to develop and advance professionally in the business sector.

The course will include collaborations with and the sponsorship of several first class businesses, both from the UAB Research Park and from its nearby surroundings as well as other businesses UAB works closely with. The research projects proposed by students will aid them in carrying out one-year work placements in businesses sponsoring the course.

With regard to the lecturing staff, U2B: From University to Business will include the participation of Gabriel Masfurroll and Jordi Riu, professionals with an extended business and administrative experience, who will provide the course with business insight.

Course details and more information can be found at the U2B: From University to Business website, as well as at the section Training for PhD Graduates.