Dottorato e qualità nell’orizzonte della Terza Missione dell’Università. Per introdurre

The essay analyzes the evolution of the doctoral program in Italy over the last forty years, emphasizing its role in Higher Education and the Third Mission of the University, that is, its social and cultural impact beyond teaching and research. Officially introduced in 1980, the doctoral program has undergone multiple reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of education and preparing not only academic researchers but also professionals for the public and private sectors. Culminating in Ministerial Decree 226/2021, the reforms have focused on internationalization and collaboration with the productive sector, highlighting the importance of quality and technology transfer as key pillars of the university’s mission.