The unemployed PhD holders in Finland

Abstract

The study examines long-term unemployment among PhD holders in Finland, focusing on labor market mismatches, their causes, and consequences. The survey data (N=702) were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Key Findings

1. Extent of Unemployment: PhD unemployment spans all fields of science. The expertise of unemployed PhD holders is not utilized in society, resulting in wasted resources.
2. Labor Market Mismatches: Many PhD holders work in positions that do not match their education level.
3. Barriers to Employment: Discrimination, inadequate employment services, and a lack of suitable networks are prominent challenges. Age, foreign background, family circumstances, and health issues further increase unemployment risks.
4. Unfair Competition: Discrimination and unethical practices, such as in recruitment and research funding allocation, are common.
5. Impact on Individuals: Unemployment negatively affects mental health, quality of life, finances, and family relationships.
6. Societal Consequences: PhD unemployment reduces opportunities to leverage high-level expertise to solve national and global challenges.

Proposed Solutions

• Regulating the number of doctoral graduates and increasing research funding.
• Changing employer attitudes and improving services tailored for PhD holders.
• Introducing basic income in situations where employment opportunities are unavailable.

• ISSN: 2984-4630 (Online)
• ISBN: 978-952-209-218-2 (Online)