Background

Although universities of applied sciences play a crucial role in regionally embedded research and innovation with direct practical impact, they remain significantly underrepresented in Research Manager and Administrator (RMA) networks. This is particularly evident in widening countries (i.e. countries with comparatively low research and innovation performance), where institutional capacity, infrastructure, and support systems are often insufficient to fully unlock their potential.

Research managers (RMs) play a key role in building and maintaining research capacity over time. Specifically, in settings where leadership changes frequently and research teams are small, RM ensure continuity, operational stability, and that strategic long-term goals are pursued. They support the launch of new projects, foster partnerships, and help turn innovative ideas into real-world impact.

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) typically operate with minimal research management and administration (RMA) staffing, placing disproportionate responsibilities across the entire project lifecycle on individual staff members. This creates bottlenecks that limit UAS access to competitive funding, hinder the professionalization of research management, and leave innovation potential untapped. Moreover, RMs often do not receive sufficient recognition for the work they do and lack sufficient institutional support.

Project Content

The project REMAP brings together six UAS (ViA, USTP, UNIPS, Jamk, Saxion and UPT), the University Industry Interaction Network (UIIN), and the European Association of Institutions in Higher Education (EURASHE). Together, they aim to establish a policy engagement framework that supports the career development of research managers. Practical measures to address the challenges faced by research managers are also being designed. Furthermore, REMAP intends to develop clear role definitions, offer tailored training, and propose policy measures that recognize research managers as essential stewards of UAS research ecosystems.

Aims

REMAP pursues the following aims:

• Define the strategic role of Research Managers (RMs) within UAS ecosystems.
• Showcase the expertise of RMs, their knowledge of procedures and institutional systems, and their role as custodians of institutional memory.
• Enhance institutional integration and career progression. Building on the European Competence Framework for Research Managers, REMAP will embed RM roles within UAS policies, governance structures, and evaluation systems to ensure long-term sustainability. This includes the development of a modular career progression framework with clear pathways from entry-level to senior leadership roles.
• Facilitate capacity building and community network activation. REMAP will deliver modular training programmes tailored to the needs of UAS and aligned with the RMComp framework.

Methods

The project will deliver modular training programmes covering career stages from entry-level to senior leadership. Through train-the-trainer toolkits, mentorship, and peer-learning activities, REMAP will help institutions build sustainable research management capacity beyond the project's lifetime. In parallel, the consortium will develop policy recommendations, promote the integration of RM roles into institutional structures, and establish an RM Hub (within the ARENA network) for hosting all developed materials. By bringing together six UAS testbeds from different countries and key European stakeholders, REMAP will create widely applicable models, define career pathways, and provide resources that support the professionalization of research management across the European Research Area.

Results and Innovation

REMAP addresses a key challenge in the European Research Area: the limited recognition, integration, and professional development of Research Managers (RMs). It also brings together Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) with different levels of research management maturity, creating a strong environment for peer learning and the exchange of good practices. Rather than creating new frameworks, the project focuses on embedding the RMComp competence framework into UAS environments through practical tools such as training programmes, career pathways, and governance measures. In doing so, REMAP aims to strengthen the role of RMs as essential contributors to sustainable research and innovation ecosystems.