COMPETENCE aims to develop a Pan-European Network of Excellent Research Competence in the area of biotechnology. The idea is to create a joint Internet-based competence platform that helps to identify relevant competences within the partner universities and thus supports collaboration with industry and stimulate regional growth. Furthermore, the partners aim to improve existing tools for Competence Development Planning and implement them in the partner regions. The third and final objective is to develop a joint marketing strategy for the COMPETENCE Network.