This study uncovers the knowledge gaps regarding the capability management of research centers in the UK manufacturing sector. The paper presents some key findings from systematic literature review and introduces a novel framework that will improve the decision making process related to capability development and strategy building which are the two main challenges for the UK manufacturing research centers. The findings presented in this paper highlight the need for and the key elements of such a framework and the benefits that it will bring to a research center’s capability management, e.g. more effective evaluation of capabilities and comprehensive understanding of development of those capabilities.