As a Ph.D. holder and researcher, I believe that offering Ph.D.s by publication in the USA could potentially unlock a significant amount of untapped human capital. This approach would recognize and incentivize contributions to knowledge dissemination and scholarly discourse beyond the traditional dissertation format.
By allowing candidates to earn their Ph.D. through publications of high-quality research output, this model could attract individuals with diverse professional backgrounds and experiences who may not have pursued a traditional doctoral program due to various constraints.
Moreover, it could accelerate the dissemination of research findings, fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines. Individuals already engaged in impactful research endeavors would be motivated to pursue further scholarly contributions, leading to a more rapid accumulation of knowledge and its application to real-world challenges.
Additionally, this approach could enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of doctoral education by accommodating the needs of working professionals, individuals with family obligations, and those from underrepresented backgrounds who may face barriers in pursuing traditional Ph.D. programs.
However, it's essential to consider potential challenges such as ensuring rigorous peer review standards, maintaining academic integrity, and providing adequate support and mentorship to candidates navigating the publication process.
Overall, offering Ph.D.s by publication has the potential to unleash a wealth of human capital by recognizing and leveraging the scholarly contributions of individuals across diverse fields and backgrounds, ultimately advancing both academic research and societal progress.