The European Commission has announced the launch of RM Comp, a new tool that is designed to help research managers across Europe develop key skills, improve their careers, and align practices with European standards
Developed under the EU-funded projects CARDEA and RM ROADMAP, RM Comp (European Competence Framework for Research Managers) is expected to become a new essential tool for research management, institutions, funding bodies, and policymakers in the European Research Area (ERA).
RM Comp and career growth
RM Comp will provide a structured framework to help guide research managers in their career development.
It outlines seven key competence areas that are important for effective research management: Cognitive Abilities, Stakeholder Engagement, and Line Management.
The complete framework also includes 50 competencies, which all have specific learning outcomes across four proficiency levels: foundational, intermediate, advanced, and expert. This new system will allow individuals and organisations to identify skill gaps, set career goals and track progress.
RM Comp is there to guide everyone in their career, whether you are an early career research manager or a more experienced professional. They can do this by providing insights into key competencies at each development stage.
Stronger European research environment
One of the main features of RM Comp is its ability to promote consistency across research roles and institutions within Europe.
This new tool allows organisations that perform research to align their practices with European standards, which allows them to make sure that their research management is efficient and high quality. This is a good approach to supporting collaboration across all borders and institutions. Which will further support Europe’s goal of fostering innovation and research excellence.
RM Comp is not just a framework for research managers, it also creates a practical tool that can be directly applied to day-to-day work. It will help managers reflect on their current skills, identify areas for improvement, and plan future training or mentorship.
Organisations, too, can integrate RM Comp into their hiring practices, training programs, and performance reviews, ensuring that staff are supplied with the competencies they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive global research landscape.
Empowering institutions and funding bodies
Institutions across Europe can also benefit from RM Comp. By using the framework, organisations can provide a clear path for staff development, making sure that managers have the right skills to oversee complex projects and lead teams effectively.
By using RM Comp in their policies and practices, organisations can track the impact of their research management efforts, identifying areas of strength and where further resources might be needed.
Funding bodies and policymakers are also set to benefit from RM Comp. The framework offers a set of clear criteria for evaluating funding applications, allowing organisations to make sure their research projects align with the best management practices.
By promoting capacity-building efforts, such as training programs and conferences focused on RM Comp competencies, these orgnisations can help create a more skilled and collaborative research environment across Europe.
A flexible framework
RM Comp is designed to benefit a range of diverse research management needs at different stages.
With 800 learning outcomes across its seven competence areas, the framework strives towards perfection in every area and also allows continuous growth and development.
Research managers are encouraged to focus on the areas where they want to excel, for example, stakeholder engagement, project oversight, or technical proficiency.
The framework’s practical application makes it a good tool for research managers who want to stay at the forefront of their profession while contributing to a more dynamic and innovative European Research Area.
RM Comp is part of a wider effort by the European Union to improve research careers across the continent. By complementing initiatives like ResearchComp and EURAXESS, RM Comp contributes to a growing ecosystem where research professionals can build skills, improve career growth, and collaborate more effectively.
