Program Overview

Introduction to the Innovation Governance, Law & Communication Doctoral Programme

The Innovation Governance, Law & Communication doctoral programme is a joint study programme of the Faculty of Communication, the Faculty of Law, and the Vilnius University Business School at Vilnius University. This programme addresses the challenge of governing technological and societal transformation in a trustworthy, ethical, and strategic manner.

Programme Overview

The programme integrates insights from law, strategic communication, and innovation management, providing a cross-disciplinary framework for research on how institutions, technologies, and discourses co-evolve. It is designed for highly motivated candidates with a strong academic background and research interest in the intersections of regulation, communication, and innovation ecosystems.

Why This Programme

Contemporary governance challenges require expertise that bridges normative, communicative, and managerial domains. This programme unites three academic traditions: law as an enabler of innovation, communication as the foundation of legitimacy and transparency, and innovation management as the architecture for systemic change and policy learning.

Thematic Priorities

Doctoral research should focus on the following areas:

• Legal Design for Innovation Acceleration
• Strategic Communication and Regulatory Narratives
• Innovation Ecosystem Resilience
• Data Governance and Ethical Communication
• Comparative Innovation Law and Policy
• Organizational and Legal Foresight

Programme Structure

• Type: Doctoral Studies (ISCED 8), full-time/part-time
• Duration: full-time studies 4 years; part-time studies 6 years
• Credits: 30 ECTS (doctoral-level courses and research training)
• Language of Instruction: English
• Qualification Awarded: Doctoral Degree (interdisciplinary science fields: Law, Management, Communication and Information)

Support & Opportunities for Doctoral Students

At Vilnius University, doctoral students receive financial stability, career opportunities, and national-level research support, including the possibility of being employed at the university, an annual PhD Fund, awards for academic excellence, and support from the Research Council of Lithuania.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for academic positions, legal and policy roles, strategic positions in legal-tech and innovation management, communication and leadership roles, and science management and policy coordination.

Admission Requirements

• Entry Qualification: Master's degree (or equivalent) in Law, Communication and Information, Management, or related fields
• Language Requirements: English proficiency level C1
• Required Application Documents: Completed online application form, Curriculum Vitae, copy of passport, motivation letter, research proposal, academic references, proof of English proficiency, and copies of diplomas and transcripts

Application and Evaluation Process

• Application Period: From November 1 to July 1
• Evaluation Windows: Applications are reviewed quarterly
• Final Decision: Issued within 2-4 weeks after each evaluation window closes
• Studies Commence: From October 1st each year

Components of the Competition Score

The score is based on the grade point average of study results, assessment of the research project and interview, and assessment of scientific qualifications and prior research experience.

Tuition Fees

• Annual Tuition Fee: Full-time studies - 6764 EUR per year, part-time studies - 4509 EUR per year
• Application Fee: 100 EUR (non-refundable)