Research and Development (RD)

Research and Development (RD) Companies often spend resources on certain investigative undertakings in an effort to make discoveries that can help develop new products or way of doing things or work towards enhancing pre-existing products or processes. These activities come under the Research and Development (RD) umbrella.RD is an important means for achieving future growth and maintaining a relevant product in the market. There is a misconception that RD is the domain of high tech technology firms or the big pharmaceutical companies. In fact, most established consumer goods companies dedicate a significant part of their resources towards developing new versions of products or improving existing designs. However, where most other firms may only spend less than 5 percent of their revenue on research, industries such as pharmaceutical, software or high technology products need to spend significantly given the nature of their products. © Shutterstock.com | Alexander RathsIn this article, we look at 1) types of RD, 2) understanding similar terminology, 3) making the RD decision, 4) basic RD process, 5) creating an effective RD process,  6) advantages of RD, and 7) RD challenges.TYPES OF RDA US government agency, the National Science Foundation defines three types of RD.Basic ResearchWhen research aims to understand a subject matter more completely and build on the body of knowledge relating to it, then it falls in the basic research category. This research does not have much practical or commercial application. The findings of such research may often be of potential interest to a companyApplied ResearchApplied research has more specific and directed objectives. This type of research aims to determine methods to address a specific customer/industry need or requirement. These investigations are all focused on specific commercial objectives regarding products or processes.DevelopmentDevelopment is when findings of a r esearch are utilized for the production of specific products including materials, systems and methods. Design and development of prototypes and processes are also part of this area. A vital differentiation at this point is between development and engineering or manufacturing. Development is research that generates requisite knowledge and designs for production and converts these into prototypes. Engineering is utilization of these plans and research to produce commercial products.UNDERSTANDING SIMILAR  TERMINOLOGYThere are a number of terms that are often used interchangeably. Thought there is often overlap in all of these processes, there still remains a considerable difference in what they represent. This is why it is important to understand these differences.RDThe creation of new body of knowledge about existing products or processes, or the creation of an entirely new product is called RD. This is systematic creative work, and the resulting new knowledge is then used to formulat e new materials or entire new products as well as to alter and improve existing onesInnovationInnovation includes either of two events or a combination of both of them. These are either the exploitation of a new market opportunity or the development and subsequent marketing of a technical invention. A technical invention with no demand will not be an innovation.New Product DevelopmentThis is a management or business term where there is some change in the appearance, materials or marketing of a product but no new invention. It is basically the conversion of a market need or opportunity into a new product or a product upgradeDesignWhen an idea is turned into information which can lead to a new product then it is called design. This term is interpreted differently from country to country and varies between analytical marketing approaches to a more creative process.Product DesignMisleadingly thought of as the superficial appearance of a product, product design actually encompasses a lot more. It is a cross functional process that includes market research, technical research, design of a concept, prototype creation, final product creation and launch. Usually, this is the refinement of an existing product rather than a new product.MAKING THE RD DECISIONInvestment in RD can be extensive and a long term commitment. Often, the required knowledge already exists and can be acquired for a price. Before committing to investment in RD, a company needs to analyze whether it makes more sense to produce their own knowledge base or acquire existing work. The influence of the following factors can help make this decision.ProprietarinessIf the nature of the research is such that it can be protected through patents or non-disclosure agreements, then this research becomes the sole property of the company undertaking it and becomes much more valuable. Patents can allow a company several years of a head start to maximize profits and cement its position in the market. This sort of sit uation justifies the cost of the RD process. On the other hand, if the research cannot be protected, then it may be easily copied by a competitor with little or no monetary expense. In this case, it may be a good idea to acquire research.TimingSetting up a RD wing only makes sense if the market growth rate is slow or relatively moderate. In a fast paced environment, competitors may rush ahead before research has been completed, making the entire process useless.RiskBecause of its nature, RD is not always a guaranteed success commercially. In this regard, it may be desirable to acquire the required research to convert it into necessary marketable products. There is significantly less risk in acquisition as there may be an opportunity to test the technology out before formally purchasing anything.CostConsidering the long term potential success of a product, acquiring technology is less risky but more costly than generating own research. This is because license fees or royalties may ne ed to be paid and there may even be an arrangement that requires payments tied to sales figures and may continue for as long as the license period. There is also the danger of geographical limitations or other restrictive caveats. In addition, if the technology changes mid license, all the investment will become a sunk cost. Setting up RD has its own costs associated with it. There needs to be massive initial investment that leads to negative cash flow for a long time. But it does protect the company from the rest of the limitations of acquiring research.All these aspects need to be carefully assessed and a pros vs. cons assessment needs to be conducted before the make or buy decision is finalized.BASIC RD PROCESSThe RD may take months or years to yield fruitful results. Manufacturers of a variety of products utilize this process for new product development and innovation. Though each company or industry may have its own unique research methodology, a basic research process will for m the framework for it. Foster IdeasAt this point the research team may sit down to brainstorm. The discussion may start with an understanding and itemization of the issues faced in their particular industry and then narrowed down to important or core areas of opportunity or concern.Focus IdeasThe initial pool of ideas is vast and may be generic. The team will then sift through these and locate ideas with potential or those that do not have insurmountable limitations. At this point the team may look into existing products and assess how original a new idea is and how well it can be developed.Develop IdeasOnce an idea has been thoroughly researched, it may be combined with a market survey to assess market readiness. Ideas with true potential are once again narrowed down and the process of turning research into a marketable commodity begins.Prototypes and TrialsResearchers may work closely with product developers to understand and agree on how an idea may be turned into a practical product. As the process ite rates, the prototype complexity may start to increase and issues such as mass production and sales tactics may begin to enter the process.Regulatory, Marketing Product Development ActivitiesAs the product takes shape, the process that began with RD divides into relevant areas necessary to bring the research product to the market. Regulatory aspects are assessed and work begins to meet all the criteria for approvals and launch. The marketing function begins developing strategies and preparing their materials while sales, pricing and distribution are also planned for.LaunchThe product that started as a research question will now be ready for its biggest test, the introduction to the market. The evaluation of the product continues at this stage and beyond, eventually leading to possible re-designs if needed. At any point in this process the idea may be abandoned. Its feasibility may be questioned or the research may not reveal what the business hoped for. It is therefore important to analyze each idea critically at every stage and not become emotionally invested in anything.CREATING AN EFFECTIVE RD  PROCESSA formal RD function adds great value to any organization. It can significantly contribute towards organizational growth and sustained market share. However, all business may not have the necessary resources to set up such a function. In such cases, or in organizations where a formal RD function is not really required, it is a good idea to foster an RD mindset. When all employees are encouraged to think creatively and with a research oriented thought process, they all feel invested in the business and there will be the possibility of innovation and unique ideas and solutions. This mindset can be slowly inculcated within the company by following the steps mentioned below.Assess Customer NeedsIt is a good idea to regularly scan and assess the market and identify whether the company’s offering is doing well or if it is in trouble. If it is successful, encourage employees to identify reasons for success so that these can then be used as benchmarks or best practices. If the product is not doing well, then encourage teams to research reasons why. Perhaps a competitor is offering a better solution or perhaps the product cannot meet the customer’s needs effectively.Identify ObjectivesAllow your employees to see clearly what the business objectives are. The end goal for a commercial enterprise is to enhance profits. If this is the case, then all research the employees engage in should focus on reaching this goal while fulfilling a customer need.Define and Design ProcessesA definite project management process helps keep formal and informal research programs on schedule. Realistic goals and targets help focus the process and ensures that relevant and realistic timelines are decided upon.Create a TeamA team may need to be created if a specific project is on the agenda. This team should be cross functional and will be able to work towards a speci fic goal in a systematic manner. If the surrounding organizational environment also has a research mindset then they will be better prepared and suited to assist the core team when ever needed.OutsourceWhenever needed, it may be a good idea to outsource research projects. Universities and specific research organizations can help achieve research objectives that may not be manageable within a limited organizational budget.ADVANTAGES OF RDThough setting up an RD function is not an easy task by any means, it has its unique advantages for the organization. These include the following.Tax breaksResearch and Development expenses are often tax deductible. This depends on the country of operations of course but a significant write-off can be a great way to offset large initial investments. But it is important to understand what kind of research activities are deductible and which ones are not. Generally, things like market research or an assessment of historical information are not deductib le.CostsA company can use research to identify leaner and more cost effective means of manufacturing. This reduction in cost can either help provide a more reasonably priced product to the customer or increase the profit margin.FinancingWhen an investor sets out to put their resources into any company, they tend to prefer those who can become market leaders and innovate constantly. An effective RD function goes a long way in helping to achieve these objectives for a company. Investors see this as a proactive approach to business and they may end up financing the costs associated with maintaining this RD function.RecruitmentTop talent is also attracted to innovative companies doing exciting things. With a successful Research and Development function, qualified candidates will be excited to join the company.PatentsThrough RD based developments, companies can acquire patents for their products. These can help them gain market advantage and cement their position in the industry. This on e time product development can lead to long term profits.RD CHALLENGESRD also has many challenges associated with it. These may include the following.High CostsInitial setup costs as well as continued investment are necessary to keep research work cutting edge and relevant. Not all companies may find it feasible to continue this expenditure.Increased TimescalesOnce a commitment to RD is made, it may take many years for the actual product to reach the market and a number of years will be filled with no return on continued heavy investment.Uncertain ResultsNot all research that is undertaken yields results. Many ideas and solutions are scrapped midway and work has to start from the beginning.Market ConditionsThere is always the danger that a significant new invention or innovation will render years of research obsolete and create setbacks in the industry with competitors becoming front runners for the customer’s business.It is important for any business to understand the advantages and disadvantages of engaging in Research and Development activities. Once these are studied, then the step can be taken towards becoming and RD organization.In the meanwhile, it is good practice to inculcate a research mind set and research oriented thinking within all employees, no matter what their functional area of expertise. This will help bring about new ideas, new solutions and an innovative way of approaching all business problems, whether small or large.