European Competence Framework for Research Managers

European Competence Framework for Research Managers (RM Comp)

Long Version RM Comp Long Version

Short Version RM Comp Short Version

Objective

To support Action 17 of the ERA Policy Agenda through advancing and increasing the attractiveness of Research Manager Careers in the ERA by:

1. Developing a European Competence Framework for Research Managers (RM Comp).
2. Aligning RM Comp with established frameworks such as the European Skills, Competences and occupations (ESCO) and ResearchComp framework.
3. Supporting career development by creating a standardised framework for Research Managers across the European Research Area (ERA).

Methodology

• Document Analysis Reviewing existing frameworks, policies, and research management literature
• Desk Research Gathering information on research management practices, role definitions, and required competencies.
• Survey Data CARDEA Survey
• Interviews Discussions with Research Managers, HR practitioners, and representatives from research-performing organisations, universities, and policymakers.
• Co-Creation Process: Engaging national and thematic communities of Research Managers through focus groups and workshops.
• Benchmarking Aligning competencies with frameworks such as ResearchComp, DigComp, Competence Frameworks for Policymakers and Researchers and ESCO.
• Validation Workshops Participating in a multitude of validation sessions to ensure stakeholder input and consensus on the framework’s structure and content.

Aim of RM Comp

• To enable widespread recognition of the competencies of Research Managers across diverse roles, career stages and organisations in a simple and interoperable format.
• To serve as a reference framework for initiatives aimed at strengthening the skills and professional development of Research Managers, supporting mobility between sectors, enhancing employability, and promoting the attractiveness of research management as a career choice.
• To standardise competencies across the European Research Area, ensuring consistency and a “common language” to articulate Research Managers’ vital contributions to research and innovation within the ERA.

This Framework is an inspirational tool that can be used at both the organisational and institutional level.  RM Comp is made of 50 competencies clustered in 7 competence areas.

There are four levels of proficiency for each of the 50 competencies within the RM Comp framework, enabling Research Managers to position themselves and understand the steps required to progress to the next level:

• Foundational: developing expertise and guidance.
• Intermediate: building independence.
• Advanced: taking responsibility and guiding others.
• Expert: driving transformation, innovation and growth.

RM Comp also includes 800 learning outcomes for monitoring progress and measuring development in Research Manager competencies as part of future initiatives:

Institutional Level: Assessing the extent to which Research Managers are being trained (training offerings) and evaluating institutional support for professional development, such as skills training and career advancement opportunities.

Occupational Level: Identifying the available and required competencies for specific roles in research management and establishing benchmarks for role descriptions that align with RM Comp.

Individual Level: Tracking one’s own participation in training programmes tailored to RM Comp competencies. Embracing intersectoral experiences to broaden skills and networks across different research contexts.

We would welcome any feedback on the Framework.  Please email your comments  to  Cardea@UCC.ie 

RM 1 to RM 4

Role Categorisation in Research Management

As with the European Framework for Research Careers^[1] in this framework there are four broad profiles for Research Managers, which are independent of any particular sector with the following working titles:

RM 1     First Stage Research Manager

RM 2     Recognised Research Manager

RM 3     Established Research Manager

RM 4     Senior Research Manager

This Profile Framework is "sector neutral." The descriptors apply to all Research Managers, independent of where they work in the private or public sector (i.e. companies, NGOs, research institutes, research universities, universities of applied sciences, university medical centers, local-, regional- or national authorities, funding organisations or consultancies). Regardless of any particular profession or specialisation, one can outline broad profiles that describe the different levels within the broad categorisation of Research Manager.

It is envisioned that direct entry through open competition (recruitment) can occur at any level. It is envisaged that qualifications will not be a barrier to entry into the profession.

Profile Descriptors

First Stage Research Manager (RM 1)

The term First Stage Research Manager refers to research managers in the first two years (full-time equivalent) of their research management activity whilst demonstrating the competencies and skills for successful performance in the role. The role requires a basic understanding of the research/business structures, operations, and includes responsibility for implementing and achieving results.

Recognised Research Manager (RM 2)

The term Recognised Research Manager refers to research managers with an intermediate level of experience in their research management activity whilst demonstrating competencies and skills for the successful performance in the role. The role requires a moderate understanding of overall research/business operations including responsibility for monitoring the implementation of research strategy. This has limited or informal responsibility for colleagues and / or needs to consider broader approaches or consequences through own actions rather than through others.

Established Research Manager (RM 3)

The term Established Research Manager refers to research managers with an advanced level of experience in their research management activity whilst demonstrating competencies and skills for the successful performance in the role. The role requires strong understanding of the organisation’s environment, operational plans, current strategic position and direction with strong analytical skills and the ability to advise on strategic options for the research/business. This may include formal responsibility for colleagues and their actions; and that their decisions have a wider impact.  

Senior Research Manager (RM 4)

The term Senior Research Manager refers to research managers with an expert level of experience in their research management activity whilst demonstrating the competencies and skills for successful performance in the role. The role requires expert knowledge to develop strategic vision and provide unique insight to the overall direction and success of the research/organisation. This is formal responsibility for research/business areas and his / her actions and decisions have a high-level strategic impact.

For the purposes of the Framework, RM 1 and RM 2 profiles should be considered early to mid-stage research managers and RM 3 and RM 4 profiles should be considered leadership level research managers.

[1] Towards a European Framework for Research Careers towards_a_european_framework_for_research_careers_final.pdf (europa.eu)

CARDEA Survey Report

The CARDEA Survey Report analyses and discusses the survey results.

CARDEA Dataset

The results of the CARDEA Research Manager survey are available at this link: CARDEA Dataset