Depending on what the concept is put into the base (competence, research activities), there are two approaches to the defi-nition of "research competence"; based on the main provisions of system-dynamic theory, the author proves the structure of the research activities competence, including a sequence of four interrelated components (indicative, creative, conversion, control); the basic properties (flexibility, multifunctionality, multidimensionality, preclusiveness, innovation) and identifies major features (methodological, developing, axiological, cultural) research competence.