The DBA program emphasizes applied research whereas Ph.D. programs in Business Administration focus on innovation and originality in academic research. The former also differs from the latter in terms of student recruitment and career development. DBA students come from business executives or managers who have accumulated many years of practical experience. After graduation, they continue to work and excel in the industry.Furthermore, their DBA degree not only helps internal promotion but also qualifies themselves as visiting or adjunct professors in academic institutions.

DBA programs have been recognized globally. According to Wiki, academic institutions that have DBA programs are located in Europe (42%), North America (28%), Asia Pacific (22%), Africa (6%), and Latin America and the Caribbean (2%). About 20% of the top 100 universities in the QS 2020 ranking award DBA degree. An increasing number of universities also cooperate in establishing DBA programs.

Enterprise competitiveness is the cornerstone of a nation’s economy. Universities should provide advanced programs suitable for managers in the industry so that they can strengthen their professional capabilities, learn state-of-the-art academic theories and knowledge, and enhance their skills to solve complex practical problems. As a leading research university in Taiwan, NCKU continues pursuing excellence in various academic research fields while serving local communities by cultivating industry talents, guiding industrial upgrading, and improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. In terms of cultivating industry talents, the DBA program is the last piece of the education roadmap for working professionals at NCKU and meets the high expectations of executives/managers in various industries in southern Taiwan.