Ever since the European model of training of PhD students has been introduced in Ukraine in 2016, the issue of finding effective forms and methods of doctoral studies has been raised in the national education system. The aim of this study is to present a strategy for creating a project culture in which PhD students develop and implement real projects and solve regional problems as a basis of their preparation for research and innovation activities. The main methods used in this study are the theoretical description of the program of research and innovation training of postgraduates using project-based learning and its application in practice. This program includes the following stages of project activities: preparatory, initiation, formation of the project team, analysis of the situation, development of the project concept, ?s well as: fundraising, implementation and concluding of the project. The effectiveness of training and its results were tested through empirical and statistical processing methods. The results of the experiments show the positive impact of the developed training program in building of the project culture and developing transferable skills of the future PhDs (instrumental, systemic, and interpersonal), as well as gaining of the pre-professional experience in the process of working on real projects. The study also reiterates the role and importance training in bringing effectiveness of research and innovation of postgraduates.