This factsheet presents the ERA action “Empowering R&I: A new era in research management”, highlighting why skilled research managers are essential for effective, competitive and impact-oriented research and innovation systems. It explains how research management strengthens the European Research Area by supporting policy alignment, resource acquisition, knowledge valorisation, compliance, talent development and institutional strategy. The factsheet also summarises key achievements from the ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024, including success stories from the research management community, the Research Managers Ambassador network and CARDEA Academy, while outlining upcoming outcomes under the ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027, such as RM Comp, awareness-raising activities and a centralised hub for training and upskilling materials.
