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Research and innovation

RM Comp: The European Competence Framework for Research Managers

Tool to assess and develop research managers’ transferable skills and foster career development 

What is RM Comp?

RM Comp is a competence-based framework for Research Managers in the European Research Area (ERA). 

It identifies key skills and competencies needed for effective research management and supports professional growth. 

RM Comp provides consistency across roles and institutions, helping key stakeholders to enhance their career development and enabling organisations to align research management practices with European standards.

The tool was developed by two projects funded by the European Union, CARDEA and RM ROADMAP, in close consultation with the European Commission and relevant stakeholders.

 

Publication cover
  • General publications
  • 27 January 2025
The European Competence Framework for Research Managers

RM Comp lists key skills needed for effective research management, supports career growth, and helps organisations follow European standards, ensuring consistency across roles and institutions.

Who can benefit from RM Comp?

Research Managers (Individuals): Whether early-career or advanced, RM Comp helps identify career paths, skill gaps and training needs. 

Institutions: Public and private research performing organisations employing research managers, aiming to standardise practices and enable staff development. 

Research Funding Bodies and Policy advisors: Ensures consistency of funding policies, promotes capacity building and facilitates collaboration across sectors.

How is RM Comp structured?

RM Comp has 3 main dimensions:

  • 7 competence areas (Cognitive Abilities/Personal Attributes, Technical Proficiency, Research Project Oversight, Stakeholder Engagement, Line Management and Talent Development, Communication, Subject Matter Expertise/Specialised Knowledge)
  • 50 competencies
  • 800 learning outcomes along 4 proficiency levels (foundational, intermediate, advanced, expert)

Each competency includes learning outcomes for each proficiency level. It is not envisaged that Research Managers acquire the highest level of proficiency or have the same proficiency across all the 7 competency areas. However, Researcher Managers should develop their skills in all 7 competency areas where possible.

How to Use RM Comp?

Individual Research Managers:

  • Self-Assessment: Identify your current skills and areas for improvement using the RM Comp framework.
  • Professional Development: Use the outlined competencies to plan training or mentorship opportunities.
  • Daily Application: Align your work practices with RM Comp standards to improve efficiency and collaboration.

Research Performing Organisations and Industry:

  • Integrate RM Comp into Policies: Embed it in hiring processes (e.g., job specifications), training programs, and performance reviews.
  • Enable Staff Development: Provide RM Comp-aligned resources, platforms, and budgets (where possible) for professional growth.
  • Monitor Impact: Use RM Comp to track the effectiveness of research management practices and identify gaps. 

Funding Agencies and Policy Advisors:

  • Set Standards: Use RM Comp competencies as criteria for funding applications and evaluations.
  • Promote Capacity Building: Fund training programs and conferences focused on RM Comp skills.
  • Facilitate Collaboration: Work with institutions to develop RM Comp-aligned policies and share best practices.

ERA Talent Platform

RM Comp is a component of the ERA Talent Platform, the one-stop-shop gateway for researchers and innovators in Europe and beyond.

Discover the ERA Talent Platform

Contact

Please share your suggestions with us at: rtd-era-research-careersatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (rtd-era-research-careers[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

Documents

  • General publications
  • 27 January 2025
Defining a European Competence Framework for Research Managers

This document outlines the objectives and methodology for the development of a European Competence Framework for Research Managers (RMComp).