A new doctoral journey begins: MSM welcomes the 2026 Executive PhD intake
In September 2026, MSM welcomed the new intake of the Executive PhD in Private Sector Development to Maastricht for the start of their doctoral journey. Through introductory sessions, research topic presentations and a literature review workshop, candidates began exploring how to translate their professional experience into academic research.
The on-campus introduction days introduced candidates to the programme’s focus on private sector development and emerging economies, as well as its structure. A session on Maastricht University Library facilities, academic resources and literature searching, followed by a literature review workshop, provided a foundation for their research.
Candidates also presented their proposed research topics and received feedback from faculty members and fellow participants. These discussions offered an opportunity to explore different perspectives and begin refining their ideas.
Building on a career in development consulting
Among the new candidates is Helena Gonçalves Valente, who lives in Portugal. An economist with a BSc in Economics and a Master’s in European Economics, Helena brings 30 years of professional experience, mainly in development consulting. Her work has involved designing, implementing and evaluating policies, programmes and projects for multilateral and bilateral development agencies across a wide range of sectors and countries.
For Helena, the Executive PhD is an opportunity to examine the questions that have emerged throughout her career from a new perspective.
“After many years of working across different countries and contexts, I feel this is the right moment to step back, reflect on that experience, and turn some of the questions that have emerged from practice into structured research and, hopefully, useful knowledge.”
The programme’s format allows her to pursue this ambition while continuing her professional work, enabling practice and research to inform each other.
Exploring the wider benefits of foreign investment
Helena intends to investigate the conditions under which foreign direct investment can support knowledge transfer, capability building and economic transformation, particularly in countries with limited economic diversification.
Focusing on Angola, she wants to explore how relationships between foreign investors and local suppliers can strengthen domestic firms. Her research will examine whether these interactions help local firms acquire knowledge and technology, improve productivity and move into activities that generate greater economic value, particularly beyond the oil sector.
She also plans to investigate what enables these benefits to develop, including domestic firms’ ability to absorb and apply new knowledge, the strength of local value chains, and the surrounding policy and institutional environment.
Her proposed research connects closely with the programme’s focus on private sector development: understanding how local firms can build their capabilities and contribute to broader economic diversification.
Learning through exchange
For Helena, presenting and discussing the research topics was a particularly valuable part of the first on-campus workshops. Although candidates brought different interests and professional backgrounds, she recognised a shared transition from solving practical problems to examining them through academic research.
“It was reassuring to realise that we share similar challenges in adjusting to the research mindset, and to see how closely engaged the faculty is in supporting us as our ideas develop.”
Meeting candidates from the previous intake also offered encouragement and showed how others had navigated this transition and progressed with their research.
The first on-campus workshops marked Helena’s first visit to Maastricht. Alongside enjoying the university and city, she appreciated the organisation of the programme and the team’s commitment to supporting the candidates.
Looking ahead
As she begins her first year, Helena looks forward to exploring longstanding professional questions in a more structured way and learning from faculty members and fellow candidates.
“I am also looking forward to learning from the faculty and the other PhD candidates, and to seeing how my initial ideas evolve as I become more familiar with the academic research process.”
Finding a sustainable balance between professional responsibilities and doctoral research will also be part of that journey. Helena highlights that for her and her fellow candidates, the first workshops in Maastricht provided an excellent starting point for developing their ideas and building connections within their new academic community.
Interested in pursuing an Executive PhD?
Join our Executive PhD webinar on Thursday, 26 November 2026 to learn more about the programme, its research focus and admission requirements, and ask your questions about combining doctoral research with your career. Follow the link for more information and to register.
In case of any further questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us via msm-phdadmissions@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
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