Abstract

Research is rapidly getting more complex and cooperation in research is daily crossing new boundaries. To ensure effective support structures in this landscape we need to lay the ground for continuous skills development within the research management community.

An important obstacle for effective skills development and professionalisation of the research management community is the lack of standardization of concepts.

Attempts of standardization exist and have been made, both in the national, European (EARMA) and world context (INORMS) and in research, e.g. “A standardization of Selected Management Concepts” (A.G. Bedeian). Nevertheless, a common global framework and nomenclature for research management is yet to be seen. In this presentation, I will discuss challenges in existing attempts, with the aim of pointing to a few realistic measures to take towards strengthening such a framework.

The launch of the RM-Roadmap in September 2022 builds the foundation for a discussion about common language and a standardized body of concepts across boundaries and research disciplines. The timing for starting this discussion and consequently building a solid platform for education, standardization, professionalisation and recognition could therefore not have been better.

To ensure career development, effective support structures and professional recognition, a minimum of common language is crucial. Standardization of concepts does not have to lead to uniformity or strict standards. On the contrary it could widen the knowledge frame for the next generation skills development.

Standardization of concepts would enable the future formal education in the field and skills development through formalised certifications. With solid common structures we can create a platform for better career development opportunities and increased professional recognition. Within the fields of education and heavy industry the international standardization of concepts has been highly effective.

A solid and wide concepts frame could function as a scaffolding for specialisation and place research management as a core activity in all research.

In the race towards better and faster interdisciplinary knowledge, specialised and professional competencies within research management is essential. Only by speaking the same language will we be able to win this race.