On 27 January 2025, the European Commission launched RM Comp, the European Competence Framework for Research Managers. This new initiative, developed under the EU-funded projects CARDEA and RM ROADMAP, is designed to support research managers in developing key skills, fostering career growth, and aligning practices with European standards.
RM Comp identifies the core skills and competencies needed for effective research management. It provides a structured approach to career development for individuals and organisations, offering a consistent standard for roles across the ERA.
For research managers, RM Comp enables self-assessment, highlights skill gaps, and guides professional development. Organisations can integrate the framework into hiring practices, training programmes, and performance reviews, while funding agencies and policymakers can use it to promote capacity building and collaboration.
RM Comp consists of three key dimensions:
- 7 Competence Areas, including Cognitive Abilities, Technical Proficiency, and Stakeholder Engagement.
- 50 Competencies, each with defined learning outcomes.
- 800 Learning Outcomes across four proficiency levels, from foundational to expert.