R&D management

Definitions

R&D management can be defined as where the tasks of innovation management (i.e., creating and commercializing inventions) meet the tasks of technology management (i.e., external and internal creation and retention of technological know-how). It covers activities such as basic research, fundamental research, technology development, advanced development, concept development, new product development, process development, prototyping, R&D portfolio management, technology transfer, etc., but generally is not considered to include technology licensing, innovation management, IP management, corporate venturing, incubation, etc. as those are sufficiently independent activities that can be carried out without the presence of a R&D function in a firm.

Management models

Few dedicated management models for R&D exist. Among the more popularized ones are Arthur D. Little's Third generation R&D management, the Development funnel, the Phase–gate model All these models are concerned with improving R&D performance and result productivity, managing R&D as a process, and providing the R&D function with an environment in which the inherent technological and market uncertainties can be managed.

The Path to Developing Successful New Products a joint research by MIT & McKinsey & Co. points out three key practices that can play critical role in R&D Management: Talk to the customer, Nurture a project culture, Keep it focused.

R&D management tools

• Simultaneous Engineering
• TRIZ
• Voice of the customer
• PACE, Stage–gate model
• Technology intelligence

Associations and communities

Journals:

• R&D Management Journal
• Technovation
• Research-Technology Management

Associations and communities

• RADMA, a R&D management society based in the UK
• IAMOT, the Int'l Association for the Management of Technology
• R&D and Innovation in China

References

References

1. Chiesa, Vittorio. (2001-01-01). "R&D Strategy and Organisation: Managing Technical Change in Dynamic Contexts". [[Imperial College Press]].
2. (2000). "Managing Global Innovation". Springer.
3. Brockhoff, Klaus -link = Klaus Brockhoff. (1994). "Forschung und Entwicklung". Oldenbourg.
4. (1996). "F&E-Management". Schaeffer-Poeschel.
5. Roussel. (1991). "Third generation R&D". HBS Press.
6. (1992). "Revolutionizing Product Development". Free Press.
7. (2009-11-29). "The Path to Developing Successful New Products". [[The Wall Street Journal]].