The Five Signature
Frameworks
The core strategic models from From Researcher to Research Leader. Each framework is a precision tool — built for a specific challenge in the research leadership journey. Click any framework to explore it in depth.
These five frameworks collectively explain a single transformation — the journey every research leader must navigate.
Individual contributor
Funding FlywheelFirst grants secured
Proposal PositioningTeam & program builder
Trusted Advisor ModelCenters & ecosystems
Enterprise PyramidNational visibility
Capability PlatformResearcher
Individual contributor
Principal Investigator
First grants secured
Research Leader
Team & program builder
Institution Builder
Centers & ecosystems
Research CEO
National visibility
Each stage requires a different mindset, strategy, and set of tools. The five frameworks provide the operating system for every transition.
Find Your Research Leadership Archetype
Discover which frameworks are most relevant to your current career stage.
Start Free AnalysisBring the Frameworks to Your Team
Workshops and keynotes built around these five frameworks for R&D organizations.
Inquire About SpeakingFramework Deep Dives
Long-form strategic analysis applying these frameworks to real research leadership challenges.
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