The doctoral study program in Information Sciences, part of the social sciences field, provides students with exposure to contemporary research and the latest advancements in the domain of information sciences, as well as interdisciplinary studies related to information sciences.

About the Study
- Program Coordinator and Provider: University of Zagreb Faculty of Organization and Informatics
- Academic Degree: Upon completion of the program, students will obtain the academic title of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the scientific area of social sciences, scientific field of information sciences
- Study Duration: 3 years
- Study Location: Varaždin
The doctoral study program in Information Sciences immerse students in contemporary research and recent achievements within the domain of information sciences, alongside interdisciplinary studies. The program encompasses a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines that are integral to information sciences today. This is elaborated through a total of 27 courses, from which doctoral candidates select six based on their individual interests. Some courses focus on specific domains, while others are dedicated to the development of transferable skills. Through this program, the Faculty of Organization and Informatics aims to cultivate high-quality researchers capable of making active contributions to and advancing this dynamic field of science. It is anticipated that the majority of students will pursue an academic career upon obtaining their doctoral degree in information sciences, while a segment will engage with the industry and contribute actively to the progress of contemporary enterprises and the development of new products and services.
Learning Outcomes
The doctoral program fosters the research competencies of candidates in the following ways:
- Identifying open problems and formulating research questions in the field of information sciences.
- Critically evaluating information and data, as well as the methods of their collection, while independently defining evaluation criteria based on personal experience, knowledge, and literature.
- Creating and evaluating new facts, concepts, processes, principles, and theories, as well as scientific research projects in information sciences that lead to original scientific insights.
- Applying appropriate scientific methods to generate new scientific knowledge in the field of information sciences.
- Developing original or adapting existing scientific methods for integrating various application domains within information sciences.
- Innovatively integrating information and communication technologies to establish socially and culturally acceptable forms of communication and collaborative processes when interacting with individuals and groups of diverse orientations and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
- Critically evaluating and applying ethical and professional aspects of research proposals, managing the lifecycle of scientific data, selecting, implementing, and presenting research processes and findings in the field of information sciences.
- Employing a project-based approach to research through teamwork in both physical and virtual environments while assuming responsibility for leading a small project team in information sciences.
- Organizing data and managing research processes and projects while independently defining research (experimental and other) protocols suitable for investigation in the selected field.
- Communicating the results of their work in both written and oral forms in a manner appropriate for target audiences, correctly utilizing professional terminology, and appropriately expanding Croatian professional terminology in instances where terms used in foreign literature do not yet have widely accepted Croatian translations.
Throughout their studies, students will also acquire advanced generic skills, such as scientific research methodology, and project management, enabling their engagement in various research and professional contexts.
Study Fee
The total fee for the study programme is €8,000. Fees for potential differential exams, costs of preparing the doctoral dissertation, diploma printing costs, and other material expenses are not included in the tuition fee.
Academic Title
Upon successful completion of these programme, students will obtain the academic title of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the scientific area of social sciences
Contact
Head of the Study Programme is Full Professor Markus Schatten, Ph.D.
For additional information, please contact the Head of the Postgraduate Student Services Office, Mrs. Lea Friščić, at +385 42 390 808 or via email at lea.friscic@foi.hr.
The doctoral study program in Digital Innovations Management focuses on the innovative applications of information technologies in business.

About the Study
- Program Coordinator: University of Zagreb Faculty of Organization and Informatics
- Partner Institution: University of Zagreb Faculty of Economics and Business
- Academic Degree: Upon completion of the program, students will obtain the academic title of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the scientific area of social sciences, scientific field of economics
- Language of Instruction: Croatian and English
- Study Duration: 3 years
- Study Location: Varaždin, Zagreb
The doctoral program in Digital Innovations Management aims to prepare doctors of science for systematic scientific work in the field of innovative business, as well as to train top professionals who can bridge the gap between science and the operations of contemporary organizations. The application of digital technologies has given rise to new business paradigms that require a comprehensive and broad perspective that transcends traditional disciplines. Consequently, the program directs scientific interest toward digital innovations and their potential for achieving competitive advantages. In this regard, the program is integrated into the reality of modern organizations and aligns in content and quality with emerging trends, providing perspectives for a new generation of scientists and professionals. The specified learning outcomes are complementary to the needs present in the contemporary job market. Understanding business in the digital economy is particularly significant for entities that build their competitiveness in the international market, where knowledge provided by the Digital Innovations Management program serves as a competitive advantage. The program is positioned within the dynamic scientific field of digital innovation management, connecting business, contemporary organizations, and digital technologies. It offers specific knowledge in managing the technological aspects of innovations (innovation processes in the digital economy, digital transformation and smart industry, business process management technologies, strategic knowledge and information management, data science, digital innovations in education, selected chapters on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity privacy, and collaborative economy digital platforms) and managing innovations (implementation of digital innovations across various business sectors, including tourism, marketing, service economy, mobile business, public administration, finance, macroeconomics, and accounting, as well as strategic planning and business decision-making as essential supporting processes for managing digital innovations).
Research Competencies
The knowledge and skills acquired upon completion of the doctoral program in Digital Innovations Management include:
- Formulating research questions, objectives, and hypotheses in the area of innovation management and the application of digital technologies in both the profit and non-profit sectors.
- Developing advanced, complex, original, and highly specialized knowledge, skills, activities, and procedures for collecting and recording information/data regarding the application of digital technologies.
- Critically evaluating new facts, concepts, procedures, principles, and theories in the area of innovation diffusion and the application of digital technologies.
- Managing scientific research activities and organizing information/data by applying protocols suitable for investigating the application of digital technologies.
- Synthesizing, analyzing, and applying information/data to address the research questions they have formulated in the field of digital technology application.
- Developing and implementing new socially and culturally acceptable forms of communication and collaboration processes in the application of digital technologies.
- Assuming ethical and social responsibility for the success of research conducted in the area of digital technology application, for the societal benefits of research outcomes, and for potential social consequences.
The knowledge, skills, and competencies that doctoral candidates will acquire through the program will enable them to deeply understand the digital business environment, identify market niches, initiate new business ventures, and adapt and optimize operations in new conditions. Through program activities, candidates will gain insights into the opportunities and threats faced by businesses in the international market within the digital economy, contributing to the building of international competitiveness and integration into global value chains. High-quality human capital possessing competitive knowledge is also a key factor in attracting foreign investments. The growth of productivity, export competitiveness, and the innovativeness of the economy are just some of the benefits that can be realized through investment inflows, and the indirect effects of the program can be viewed in this light. The doctoral program provides knowledge that can serve as support in building national and international competitiveness for business entities across all sectors, as well as the knowledge necessary to achieve competitiveness.
Study Fee
The total fee for the study programme is €12,000. Fees for potential differential exams, costs of preparing the doctoral dissertation, diploma printing costs, and other material expenses are not included in the tuition fee.
Contact
Head of the Study Programme are Full Professor Neven Vrček, Ph.D. (FOI) and Full Professor Ivana Mamić Sačer, Ph.D. (EFZG).
For additional information, please contact the Head of the Postgraduate Student Services Office, Mrs. Lea Friščić, at +385 42 390 808 or via email at lea.friscic@foi.hr.