Towards a new PhD Curriculum for Digital Finance

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new PhD curriculum for digital finance that combines research, skills training, and international collaboration to address industry challenges.

Contribution

A novel interdisciplinary PhD curriculum for digital finance with structured pillars and alignment to European initiatives.

Findings

The curriculum includes four pillars for balanced training in theory, practice, and soft skills.

It emphasizes international collaboration and online accessibility for broader impact.

The program addresses challenges like data quality and AI trust in finance.

Abstract

The rapidly evolving field of Digital Finance necessitates a new, interdisciplinary approach to doctoral training. This manuscript presents a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip early-stage researchers with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the complexities of modern finance. The curriculum is structured around four pillars: Training through Research and Mandatory Scientific Training, Advanced Scientific Training, Transferable Skills Training, and Training through Secondments. Together, these pillars provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and soft skills. The program also emphasizes international collaboration through conferences and offers online courses for accessibility and sustainability. By addressing key challenges such as data quality, deployment of complex models, trust in AI-supported products, and labor shortages, the program aims to foster innovation and competitiveness in the European Finance industry. The curriculum’s alignment with the European Digital Finance Package and integration with leading institutions ensures its relevance and potential for significant impact.