Lars Meyer Waarden*
University Professor
Toulouse School of Management
#Faculty member ofthe Business Science Institute
In France, access to the highest corporate positions does not necessarily require a doctorate. In fact, around 60% of CAC 40 CEOs come from engineering backgrounds, often graduating from prestigious grandes écoles such as Polytechnique, Ponts et Chaussées or HEC. These institutions epitomize the French academic elite, where the MBA, though highly valued, is not a determining factor in reaching the top of the professional hierarchy. This paradigm differs significantly from that of our European neighbors.
The German example and its European neighbors
In Germany, Switzerland and Austria, around 50% of CEOs hold a doctorate. This academic qualification, often obtained in disciplines such as economics, management, law or engineering, is a prerequisite for access to the highest positions. The doctorate confers not only social recognition but also undeniable professional legitimacy.
Social and professional recognition of a doctorate
In Germany, the title “Doctor” proudly appears on identity cards, testifying to a high social status. Leading political figures such as Angela Merkel and Helmut Kohl exemplify this academic recognition. In major corporations and prestigious consultancies such as McKinsey and the Boston Consulting Group, the doctorate is a mark of competence and in-depth knowledge. It is seen as the degree par excellence, demonstrating essential technical and managerial skills in complex business environments.
Companies encourage DBAs
German companies do not hesitate to encourage their executives to obtain a doctorate. McKinsey and the Boston Consulting Group encourage their employees, after 3 to 5 years' experience, to undertake doctoral studies while maintaining their salary and benefits, in exchange for a commitment of a few more years. Bosch goes even further by offering an in-house doctoral program, enabling its employees to devote themselves to innovative and disruptive subjects without day-to-day operational involvement.
A financially attractive option
A doctorate is also a financially attractive option. In Germany, doctorate holders earn on average 30% more than those with only an MBA. What's more, the costs of doctoral training are lower than those of an MBA, which can reach up to 125,000 euros at institutions such as Harvard.
Conclusion
The doctorate remains the royal road to the highest positions in many countries, thanks to its social recognition, technical skills and financial profitability. France, with its educational system focused on the grandes écoles, could draw inspiration from these international models to further enhance the value of the doctorate and thus enrich its professional and academic landscape.
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