ICT research manager
Role lens
Are you passionate about technology and enjoy leading teams to explore its potential? As an ICT research manager, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, shaping how organizations leverage emerging technologies to achieve their goals.
ICT research managers are vital for organizations seeking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of information and communication technology. Your days will involve planning and overseeing research projects, analysing emerging technology trends, and ensuring your team has the skills and knowledge to implement new solutions. You'll bridge the gap between research and practical application, recommending strategies to maximize the benefits of new technologies for your organization.
- • Planning and managing ICT research projects, ensuring they align with organizational objectives.
- • Monitoring research activities and evaluating the relevance of emerging technology trends.
- • Designing and delivering staff training programs on new technologies and solutions.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Administrative and commercial managers — 69 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands and 2 more.
Longest-running shortage: Netherlands, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could ICT research manager fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Adaptability/Flexibility?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Working Conditions?
Future Outlook for ICT research manager
The outlook for ICT research manager reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could ICT research manager change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could ICT research manager change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply system organisational policies
- manage staff
- manage ICT project
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- conduct literature research
- conduct scholarly research
Tasks most exposed to automation
- write research proposals
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Digital Technology
A typical day as a ICT research manager
09 09:00 · Morning innovate in ICT
10 10:30 · Mid-morning manage ICT project
12 12:00 · Midday plan research process
14 14:00 · Afternoon monitor ICT research
15 15:30 · Late afternoon apply statistical analysis techniques
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply system organisational policies
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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ICT market
The processes, stakeholders and the dynamics of the chain of goods and services in the ICT market sector.
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ICT project management
The methodologies for the planning, implementation, review and follow-up of ICT projects, such as the development, integration, modification and sales of ICT products and services, as well as projects relating technological innovation in the field of ICT.
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innovation processes
The techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation.
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organisational policies
The policies to achieve set of goals and targets regarding the development and maintenance of an organisation.
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Agile project management
The agile project management approach is a methodology for planning, managing and overseeing of ICT resources in order to meet specific goals and using project management ICT tools.
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crowdsourcing strategy
The high level planning for managing and optimising business processes, ideas or content by gathering contributions from a big community of people, including on-line groups.
- scientific research methodology
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conduct literature research
Conduct a comprehensive and systematic research of information and publications on a specific literature topic. Present a comparative evaluative literature summary.
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conduct scholarly research
Plan scholarly research by formulating the research question and conducting empirical or literature research in order to investigate the truth of the research question.
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conduct quantitative research
Execute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.
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plan research process
Outline the research methodologies and schedule in order to ensure that the research can be thoroughly and efficiently executed and that the objectives can be met in a timely manner.
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conduct qualitative research
Gather relevant information by applying systematic methods, such as interviews, focus groups, text analysis, observations and case studies.
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monitor technology trends
Survey and investigate recent trends and developments in technology. Observe and anticipate their evolution, according to current or future market and business conditions.
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monitor ICT research
Survey and investigate recent trends and developments in ICT research. Observe and anticipate mastery evolution.
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apply system organisational policies
Implement internal policies related to the development, internal and external usage of technological systems, such as software systems, network systems and telecommunications systems, in order to achieve a set of goals and targets regarding the efficient operations and growth of an organisation.
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write research proposals
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
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manage staff
Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
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apply statistical analysis techniques
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
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manage ICT project
Plan, organize, control and document procedures and resources, such as human capital, equipment and mastery, in order to achieve specific goals and objectives related to ICT systems, services or products, within specific constraints, such as scope, time, quality and budget.
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innovate in ICT
Create and describe new original research and innovation ideas within the field of information and communication technologies, compare to the emerging technologies and trends and plan the development of new ideas.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
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Where does ICT research manager fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of background is typically needed to become an ICT research manager?
- A strong foundation in information and communication technology, often through a degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field, is essential. Experience in research, project management, and a demonstrated ability to analyze technological trends are also highly valuable. Leadership skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly are crucial.
- How does this role differ from a general IT manager?
- While both roles involve technology, an IT manager typically focuses on the operational management and maintenance of existing systems. An ICT research manager, however, is primarily focused on exploring and evaluating *new* technologies and guiding their implementation to drive innovation and strategic advantage.
- What are the key work styles and values that contribute to success in this role?
- Success in this role often requires a detail-oriented approach (1.C.4.c), a proactive mindset (1.C.7.b), strong analytical skills (1.C.5.a), the ability to adapt to change (1.C.5.c), and a commitment to continuous learning (1.C.5.b). Valuing achievement (1.B.2.a), intellectual curiosity (1.B.2.b), innovation (1.B.2.f), and precision (1.B.2.c) are also important.
- ICT Research Manager — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 6 of the 11 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands and 2 more. Netherlands has reported one for 4 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- ICT Research Manager — what does it pay in the United States?
- $140,910 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $82,590 to $206,220. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.