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What is R&D? Why does it matter?

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  • Naushad Forbes
  • David Wield

Abstract

Most policy-makers, academics and business people still perceive R&D as a single well-defined thing instead of a multi-facetted activity. Even after decades of debate and critique of simplistic notions of what is R&D, narrow conceptions of R&D are still prevalent and lead inexorably to inadequate appreciation of the strategic options for increasing or improving R&D activities. This is an issue for all firms but especially those in follower nations, those that have low human and financial resources available for R&D. This paper aims to build a picture of the range of R&D activities, using examples, in the main, from Indian and South Korean companies. A picture is built of high variety, where the key element is catch-up, making the R&D task quite different to that in leader firms and nations. The paper also begins consideration of the implications for company strategy and public policy, arguing that each must change if follower firms are to improve towards leadership through innovation. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.

Suggested Citation

  • Naushad Forbes & David Wield, 2004. "What is R&D? Why does it matter?," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 31(4), pages 267-277, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:scippl:v:31:y:2004:i:4:p:267-277
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.3152/147154304781779949
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    Cited by:

    1. Tyabji, Nasir, 2012. "From the linear model to incremental innovation: Science and Industry in India," MPRA Paper 51292, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Huijian Han & Ye Yang & Rui Zhang & Brekhna Brekhna, 2020. "Factors and Paths of Transformation and Upgradation of Chemical Industry in Shandong, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-20, April.

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