One of the core objectives of the Crosspaths project, funded under the “Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence” pillar of Horizon Europe, is to enhance the research and innovation capacities of its three Widening country participants: InLife from Poland, UCP from Portugal, and EMU from Estonia. Central to this goal is the development of their human resources, with a strong focus on training. Recognizing the vital importance of equipping staff with the right skills, the consortium has designed a comprehensive transferable skills training plan. This initiative aims to upskill both scientific and support staff, enabling these institutions to build the HR capabilities necessary for success and greater competitiveness in European and global research and innovation landscapes.
1. The case for transferable skill training
In an increasingly globalized and competitive research and innovation environment, the ability to attract, retain, and develop highly skilled personnel is a crucial factor for institutional success. For the Widening country participants in the Crosspaths project—InLife from Poland, UCP from Portugal, and EMU from Estonia—developing the research and innovation capacities of their staff is paramount to ensuring long-term success in European and international research arenas. This is particularly true in countries where the research and innovation landscape is still developing, and where institutions may face challenges in maintaining their competitive edge due to limited access to advanced training opportunities.
Transferable skills, such as project management, scientific communication, data analysis, and leadership, are essential for the effective operation of research teams and the successful delivery of high-quality research outcomes. By focusing on enhancing these skills, the Crosspaths consortium is empowering its institutions to not only perform better in current projects but also to prepare their teams for the demands of future R&I initiatives. A workforce with strong transferable skills can navigate complex, interdisciplinary challenges more efficiently, collaborate effectively across borders, and remain adaptable to evolving research needs. As a result, the institutions involved in the project will be better positioned to lead in competitive funding calls, engage with diverse research networks, and contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries.
However, there is also a pressing concern: the risk of losing skilled and highly competent staff to better-paid opportunities abroad. Many researchers and support staff from Widening countries are lured by attractive salaries and advanced career opportunities in more established R&I hubs, where the research infrastructure, funding, and training opportunities are often more abundant. This brain drain can undermine the progress of institutions in Widening countries, as highly skilled staff members leave for more lucrative positions in Western Europe, North America, or other research-intensive regions.
To address this challenge, the Crosspaths project’s training plan aims not only to upskill the existing workforce but also to enhance the career prospects of staff within their home institutions. By providing access to high-quality, targeted training programs, Crosspaths is helping to build an environment where staff can grow professionally, enhancing job satisfaction and retention. This is key to strengthening the overall research ecosystem in Widening countries, ensuring that talented individuals are supported, challenged, and rewarded for their contributions, and ultimately reducing the temptation to seek opportunities elsewhere.
2. How we set the training priorities
The development of a comprehensive and relevant training plan for the Crosspaths consortium was not an arbitrary process but one grounded in strategic consultations, performance reviews, and discussions with key stakeholders across the three participating institutions: InLife (Poland), UCP (Portugal), and EMU (Estonia), with the support of WUR. Recognizing that the effectiveness of any training program is closely tied to the specific needs of the institutions and their staff, the consortium sought to identify the most pressing areas for capacity building in order to ensure future success and competitiveness in the European and global research and innovation landscape.
The first step in defining the training priorities involved a series of consultations with senior leadership and key research staff from each institution. These discussions were guided by the understanding that each partner would play a distinct but complementary role in the future of the consortium. For instance, InLife’s focus on applied research in health innovation, UCP’s strength in agricultural sustainability, and EMU’s expertise in environmental sciences meant that each institution had unique priorities in terms of enhancing their research and innovation capacities. This diversity became a cornerstone of the training plan, with tailored sessions designed to meet the varied needs of each partner institution while fostering greater collaboration within the consortium.
Additionally, performance reviews of current staff competencies were conducted to assess where skill gaps existed. These reviews, which involved self-assessments, peer evaluations, and feedback from leadership, helped identify the specific areas where training could have the most impact. It became clear that while scientific expertise and technical knowledge were a strength across the consortium, areas such as project management, grant writing, entrepreneurship, and communication required further development to enable staff to fully contribute to and lead future European and international R&I collaborations.
3. Aligning training with priorities
Strategic discussions on the future of the consortium also played a key role in shaping the training priorities. The consortium partners recognized that, as the Crosspaths project progresses, each institution would be increasingly called upon to lead or collaborate on various research initiatives. To maximize the impact of these future collaborations, staff needed to be equipped with not only the technical and scientific knowledge but also the managerial and entrepreneurial skills required to succeed in competitive international R&I environments. Therefore, the training plan was designed to ensure that each institution would be able to not only participate but also take on leadership roles in future European and international research initiatives.
The following key training priorities emerged as a result of these consultations, performance reviews, and strategic discussions:
1. Grant Writing and Application Support: Building capacity in grant writing is fundamental to the success of any research institution. Training sessions focused on both grant support for administrative staff and grant writing for researchers were identified as high priorities. These sessions aim to ensure that staff are not only able to navigate the complexities of European and international funding but also capable of crafting competitive proposals that align with the goals of Horizon Europe and other major funding bodies.
2. Management of Competitive International R&I Projects: Managing large-scale, multi-partner projects is a critical skill, particularly in the context of Horizon Europe’s collaborative research initiatives. This training will provide participants with the tools and knowledge required to successfully manage projects involving multiple stakeholders, complex budgets, and diverse work packages.
3. Knowledge Valorisation & Partnerships: The ability to transform research outcomes into practical applications and build effective partnerships is crucial for the future success of each institution. Training in knowledge valorisation, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and entrepreneurship will help staff leverage research findings for broader societal and economic impact. This training will also explore how to engage with research infrastructures and innovations in a way that enhances collaboration across sectors.
4. Creativity and Problem-Solving Capabilities: As research becomes more interdisciplinary, creativity and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing the complex challenges in Agri-Food and beyond. This training will focus on developing these skills to ensure that staff are equipped to approach challenges with innovative solutions and a forward-thinking mindset.
5. Open Access, Research Data Management, and IPR: Open access and data management are key components of modern research. Understanding intellectual property rights and the basics of start-ups will be crucial for those aiming to spin off innovations or collaborate with external stakeholders. This training will ensure that staff are aware of the best practices for data management and how to navigate the complex landscape of IPR.
6. Science Communication and Pitching: Effective communication of scientific research to diverse audiences, including policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the general public, is a crucial skill. This training will help staff develop clear, concise, and compelling ways to communicate their research, ensuring that their work has a wider impact and engages with non-expert audiences.
7. Science Diplomacy for International Collaboration: In an increasingly interconnected world, research institutions must engage with international policy frameworks and global research initiatives. This training will focus on how to navigate EU policy, engage in international scientific diplomacy, and develop strategies for global collaboration.
8. Self-Leadership for Scientists: Finally, to support the personal growth and development of staff, training in self-leadership was prioritized. As researchers and project leaders, individuals need to develop the resilience, decision-making, and leadership qualities that will enable them to thrive in competitive, high-pressure environments.
In summary, the process of setting training priorities was highly collaborative, drawing on strategic consultations, performance assessments, and a clear vision for the future of the consortium. The result is a robust and comprehensive training plan designed to equip the staff of each participating institution with the skills they need to thrive in competitive European and international research and innovation ecosystems. This will not only benefit the individual institutions but also strengthen the consortium as a whole, ensuring sustained and impactful collaboration within the Crosspaths project and beyond.
