The main objectives of EARMA are to increase the efficiency and maximise the impact of public- and private funded research within the European Research Area and to bring research output into the benefit of society; to improving the quality and professionalism ofResearch Management and Administration – throughout Europe in interaction with funders and research community by removing obstacles and administrative burdens.

EARMA policy is not static. It is constant adaption to the need of the members and changing environment.

An open EARMA

EARMA shall reinforce its position in Europe as a strong and trustworthy partner, for funders, policy makers, national and international networks and associations within the field and other associations with relations to the field. EARMA shall collaborate with national and international associations and will take on the responsibility of being the European node in a global network. This aim shall be reached through exchange of information, common activities and through the participation in common projects, and through mutual participation in each others annual meetings and other relevant activities.

EARMA will provide the open platform for European Research Managers and Administrators, and involve members actively in the formulation and carrying out of EARMAs goals.

Professional development

EARMA shall develop a carrier development scheme, with the aim to support professional development for all members and member-types within EARMA. EARMA will develop a skills development program. The program shall identify core competences and qualifications needed for the different member segments of EARMA:

- Newcomers and newbeginners in the field,

- Established RMA's and specialists i relevant fields

- Strategic and policy development level

This program shall take into account the different situations in the European countries.EARMA shall not compete with existing initiatives, but focus on the cross national and personal skills development.

Simplification

EARMA will support the current European process for simplification of European funding scheme. One activity is to develop concrete measures to simplify the rules regarding FP7-participation, suggest plans for new and emerging projectschemes as JP, KICs, JTIs etc.

EARMA will:

- Establish close relations with the different funders in order to qualify and meet the needs of the funders

- Establish close relations with the policy associations and networks, in order to reflect the need on policy level, and to promote EARMA as a partner delivering measures to reach political goals with high impact, and less bureaucracy

- Establish contacts with other groups – namely discussion groups of very high level researchers – Institute Directors and others.

 Innovation

EARMA will develop innovative tools and services to enhance the importance of innovation and knowledge transfer by enhancing excellence and professionalism both at the institutional and individidual level. That as part of an European policy that considers innovation as the engine of development in a rapidly changing environment, the believe the Europe must embrace changes and be receptive to different strategies and the importance of innovation as the essence of research and a value in the research administration as such.

EARMA networks

The way to develop professionalism in research administration is to learn, to give and to exchange experiences with other national and international associations. Develop common schemes and provide for a European angle on national or global challenges. EARMA shall be the gateway for our members to get insight and networks to expand the funding opportunitiet. The collaboration with NCURA shall be reinforced and continued. New collaborations with other national RMA in INORMS shall be developed: SRA, ARMS, ARMA,SARIMA, SARM and DARMA. EARMA shall develop formalised contacts with the European Commission and other relevant European funding bodies, to share experiences and ideas,and give feedback from the members to funding initiatives. And also connect with networks as IGLO and the national representatives in IGLO, as UKRO, KOWI and others.