Issues in transferable skills training for researchers

Transferable skills can play an important role in supporting researchers’ diverse career paths, ultimately promoting better research outputs and helping to underpin innovation and economic growth. These skills have attracted more attention over time, as non-academic employment opportunities grow and research becomes more interdisciplinary and international. The literature suggests formal training for PhD candidates and other researchers as one key channel for transferable skills acquisition as a complement to informal training and workplace experience. It also considers that governments, individuals, universities and other stakeholders share responsibility in designing, funding, organising and providing this training. However, questions remain about the skills required at different career stages, the best methods of acquiring transferable skills, and the exact role of government relative to other stakeholders.