Researchers are the engine of innovation and absolutely vital to a thriving society. But today, technical expertise alone won’t cut it. A successful career—whether in academia, industry, public service, or the non-profit world—demands a powerful set of transferrable, ‘soft’ skills.
To bridge this gap and boost career mobility, the European Commission has launched ResearchComp. It’s more than just a document; it’s a practical framework, developed as a key delivery on the new European Research Area and the Skills Agenda, and a strong contribution to the European Year of Skills.
What ResearchComp Does for You
ResearchComp establishes a clear, common language to understand and value the broad capabilities researchers bring to the table. Think of it as a shared map for skill development and talent spotting.
This powerful framework helps diverse groups:
- Researchers can easily figure out which transferrable skills are most valued for inter-sectoral careers, check where they stand, and pinpoint what skills to focus on next. This directly boosts their career prospects and employability.
- Universities, Research Organisations, and Trainers can sharpen their courses and offerings to ensure researchers are equipped with the right skills from the start, supporting lifelong learning.
- Employers get a clear picture of the diverse skill sets researchers offer, making it easier to find and hire highly-skilled talent.
- Policy Makers gain better insights into the skills landscape, allowing them to craft targeted policies to support researchers moving between sectors.
A Modern Standard, Officially Recognised
ResearchComp isn’t working in isolation. It’s a landmark because it’s the first competence framework to be aligned with the official European Skills, Competences, and Occupations classification (ESCO). This alignment gives the framework serious weight and relevance, grounding it in the official European taxonomy for researchers’ transversal skills.
Understanding the ResearchComp Map
The framework is structured logically to cover all the key areas of a researcher’s professional life:
Crucially, the goal isn’t to be an “Expert” in all 38 competences. Instead, researchers should aim to develop capabilities across all 7 areas. Progression can come from formal courses, real-world experience, peer learning, or even great coaching.
Test Yourself: The Self-Assessment Tool
To make things simple, the ResearchComp Self-Assessment Tool lets you check your skills against the framework’s 39 competences. It’s a quick, multiple-choice questionnaire that helps you identify your strengths and where you might need to invest effort.
Ready to explore your skills?
For more information and to access the tool, visit the European Commission’s official page: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/jobs-research/researchcomp-european-competence-framework-researchers_en