At the end of the three years of study, candidates must present a dissertation in one of the two designated languages (Italian or English), consisting of at least three chapters. The content and academic structure of the dissertation must meet the quality and originality standards characteristic of articles published in international peer-reviewed journals or  chapters in collective books and handbooks.

The primary objective of the PhD program, given the intensive training candidates receive in both economic and quantitative subjects, is to prepare researchers who can either continue their academic path in research and potentially teaching within academic institutions or opt for a professional career in public or private companies, where they can apply and further develop the analytical and methodological skills acquired during their doctoral studies. In the latter case, it is crucial to define doctoral candidates' training in a way that strengthens the process of transferring economic and managerial methodologies and expertise to companies. Therefore, the PhD program has a unifying theme: the goal of creating human capital capable of responding to the innovation needs of businesses, whether technological or organizational-managerial.