Research and innovation skills for net zero framework
Progress towards net zero demands a highly skilled workforce – combining deep technical expertise with broader sectoral knowledge, and the skills to lead, communicate, collaborate and influence change across large, complex and evolving eco-systems.
Postdoctoral researchers already possess many of these capabilities, but their skills can be undervalued or hard to translate into language that resonates with employers.
The C-DICE framework outlines the high-level transferable skills needed to drive innovation and support net zero initiatives across sectors.
It reflects what we heard directly from employers about the skills researchers should consider developing alongside their core technical expertise.
Who this framework is for
- Researchers in net zero-related fields – to help articulate existing skills and plan CPD for diverse careers and initiatives supporting net zero.
- Researchers from adjacent disciplines – to explore how developing new skillsets can advance sustainability within their fields.
- Researcher developers and institutions – to design pathways and programmes that support researchers’ personal, professional, and career development.
- Employers – to understand the high-level skills postdoctoral researchers can bring to their organisations.
Key benefits of the framework
- Identifies key transferable skills for net zero careers across sectors.
- Helps researchers articulate their value to employers.
- Based on real employer insights and researcher input.
- Emphasises digital innovation and systemic thinking.
- Supports career planning and CPD for diverse pathways.
- Free, open-access, and co-designed with academia and industry.
View online or download as an accessible PDF.
What the framework emphasises
The framework places deep technical expertise at the core of net zero solutions, recognising that these skills must evolve with emerging technologies and shifting environmental contexts. It encourages researchers to take a reflective and proactive approach to their professional development.
It also highlights two essential cross-cutting skillsets:
- Digital and data skills – including AI and machine learning – to drive sustainable innovation.
- A systemic mindset – embedding sustainability by considering broader societal, economic, and environmental factors.
Whether you’re already working in a net zero-related field or exploring how your expertise could contribute to sustainability, see how the framework can help you by using these example researcher profiles.
How this framework was developed
This framework was developed by C-DICE through focus groups conducted between 2021 and 2023, aimed at understanding UK employer perspectives on the high-level skills postdoctoral researchers need to support industry efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The draft framework was then refined through short interviews and workshops.
We thank the researchers and research development staff who contributed to its creation.