Key Transversal Competences for Researchers

This tentative research aims to identify key transversal competences for researchers, particularly in the field of solar energy harvesting, across six European countries – Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Ukraine, and Switzerland. A total of 155 respondents, including managers, researchers, RDI professionals and support staff from research and higher education institutions, companies and other organisations, participated in an online survey. As a result, seven tentative competence areas were identified: 1) self-management, 2) working with others, 3) logical thinking, 4) creative thinking, 5) project management, 6) research and data management, and 7) dissemination and impact. While respondents generally agreed on the importance of all competence areas, subtle differences in responses were observed across countries. However, due to the limited sample size, statistically robust cross-country comparisons cannot be made. The results can be used to support the professional and career development of young researchers and innovators, and to raise awareness of their transversal competences.