Did you know that the now-popular term research and development (R&D) only started to be used as late as the 1950s? Research is an ancient practice and was combined with development in the French Revolutionary Wars in the 1790s. It was much later, in the second half of the 1800s that countries started to establish laboratories because of the many inventions being made, such as the automobile and the telephone.
Research and development flourished in the years leading up to and following World War I. Today, companies across various industries continue to do R&D and cannot imagine their success without it.
What is Research and Development?
Research is divided into basic and applied. Basic research does not have a direct impact on the world, as it is driven by pure curiosity. It helps us understand the world as a whole. Applied research, on the other hand, is driven by ulterior motives to solve a specific problem. Both types of research are important because they impact each other.
Many companies use R&D to improve current technologies, bring value to their customers, and reaffirm their position in the marketplace. In addition to these goals, companies have added sustainability to their list as this factor is becoming increasingly important as the earth’s resources are being depleted more quickly.
Companies have three types of laboratories:
The work in research and development is generally accomplished in a lab and on multiple projects; however, scientist, technicians, and engineers do have the chance to meet with customers, attend conventions, and visit sites that put their work into action for trial runs. These opportunities allow for scientists, technicians, and engineers to view their work from different perspectives and come up with new ideas that could improve their R&D methods, as well as the results of their projects.
Technology is accelerating because research and development is continually expanding this frontier. To go from push-button landlines to touch screen cellphones is quite the breakthrough. Imagine using technology to improve how R&D is conducted on your next project!
Acute360 provides an agile and consistent methodology for planning and conducting R&D projects as well as managing them the right way. It is an intelligent and interactive web-based project management platform that handles projects based on the Scientific Method. Acute360 easily collects real-time technical and financial data to measure an R&D team’s efficiency, as well as predict a project’s performance and success. Acute360 helps you effectively achieve your project’s objectives.
