Added value of MSCA doctorates: A mixed-methods study

This study presents the first comprehensive and robust assessment of the added value of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral programmes funded under the Innovative Training Networks (ITN) and Doctoral Networks (DN) calls, relative to non-MSCA doctoral programmes. Drawing on a mixed-methods design (qualitative and quantitative) combining a literature review, interviews, and a large-scale survey involving supervisors and doctoral researchers (current and graduates; MSCA and non-MSCA), the study reinforces that the programme's added values and impacts come from the doctoral ecosystem it creates integrating its core dimensions: triple "i" mobility (international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary), training, supervision, social innovation and working conditions, career development and networking, and structuring effects on European doctoral education. Findings demonstrate that ITN/DNs deliver a significantly higher and more integrated triple "i" mobility experience. 90% of MSCA fellows collaborate internationally, and 88% demonstrate intersectoral mobility (around three times the rate of non-MSCA), broadening career trajectories. Interdisciplinary training further enables well-rounded skill acquisition across fields. MSCA fellows report substantially higher satisfaction with transferable skills development, particularly in networking, public speaking, teamwork, and intersectoral knowledge transfer. Supervision quality is markedly stronger, with more multidisciplinary supervisory teams and formalised supervision agreements. Working conditions are also better, with MSCA fellows reporting greater satisfaction with salary, and supervisors, with budgets for research, training, and mobility. Career impact is stronger as well, with 92% of MSCA graduates securing employment within one year of graduation, and one third transitioning successfully beyond academia, 3.5 times the rate among non-MSCA. At the systemic level, MSCA ITN and DN generate lasting structuring effects, strengthening doctoral training and research frameworks across Europe. The study recommends increasing programme visibility, raising funding levels, extending programme duration, and pursuing administrative simplification to maximise long-term impact and advance alignment with doctoral education across the European Education Area and European Research Area.