Researchers’ skills: analysis of progress made in projects funded under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, including the European University Alliances (2024)

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the initiatives and projects funded under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe linked to Action 4 and Action 17 of the ERA policy agenda. These actions are pivotal in enhancing the skills of researchers and research managers across Europe, thereby strengthening the overall European R&I ecosystem.

The report reviews 16 projects, showcasing their goals, methods and results, with a focus on skills such as open science, entrepreneurship and innovation, to foster a flexible research workforce. It also examines skill development within the alliances, which play a key role in piloting frameworks for research careers and competencies, emphasising the enhancement of human capital in R&I.

Furthermore, the role of research managers has gained prominence in the last years, with initiatives aimed at enhancing their skills and the related professional rewarding and recognition.

Recommendations in this report advocate for the use of ResearchComp to centralise and link dedicated skills training courses to competencies and proficiency levels, fostering skills development and recognition for researchers at all career stages. Recommendations also address the promotion of the integration and connection between ResearchComp and the upcoming research managers’ competence framework. The aim is to share methodologies, support cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration, and validate, formalise and value researchers’ and research managers’ skills. (from executive summary of the study)