Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

Strengthening Research Talent Retention in Europe

Strengthening Research Talent Retention in Europe analyses how European countries and research organisations can make research careers more attractive, stable and internationally competitive. The study looks at national laws, organisational practices and EU instruments that shape employment conditions, skills development, offboarding and relocation support for researchers. It generates evidence, best‑practice examples and concrete tools to help policymakers, funders and institutions improve research careers in all sectors. 

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The project examines how policy measures and organisational practices can help to stabilise research careers and make them more attractive in Europe. The aim is to develop evidence-based recommendations and practical tools to prevent unemployment, support career transitions, and promote mobility and talent retention.

The study combines systematic desk research, a country-by-country survey of EU Member States and associated countries, case studies, interviews with researchers, employers and policy-makers, and comparative analyses. In addition, workshops and webinars will be held, and a feasibility study will be conducted on new funding and contractual models for the EU Framework Programme.

Expected outcomes include a mapping of national regulations, case studies on offboarding strategies, collections of best practices and toolkits on skills and career development, as well as on support for relocation. In addition, a policy brief on ResearchComp, proposals for new measures within the EU Framework Programme (including a guarantee fund option) and a final report with concrete recommendations for action for policymakers, funding organisations and research institutions will be produced.

Duration

28.11.2025-27.05.2027 (ongoing)

Clients

EFIS Centre The European Future (Framework Contract)
Visionary Analytics (Project)

Partners

Visionary Analytics

Arctik

Technopolis Group

GreenEdge Consulting

EFIS Centre