Volume 14, Number 2 Article by Shikha Suman June, 2002
R&D Management: Issues and Challenges :
Shikha Suman gives us an update on approaches to R&D management in literature, tracing the development from the pre-60s ?linear model of innovation?, and the conventional distinctions between strategies, network and communication, and human resource management, to the present matrix involving a ?market? and ?consumer? dimension. R&D management has evolved from the time when it was believed that investments in R&D eventually would ?pay off? when research-based products reached the market, and priorities were based mostly on scientific criteria, to the present where R&D is treated in a holistic framework and not as an isolated unit.
The literature dealing with strategic issues of R&D management covers typologies of R&D (or technological) strategy, elements/tools of R&D strategy, and links with business strategy. While there are major differences between industries, most authors stress that important R&D strategic decisions should be part of overall business strategic decisions. Networking and communication, both internal and external, formal and informal, are important. Much of the literature suggests that human resources are the key to success in R&D. Among other important issues, the literature deals with the differences between ?scientists? and ?engineers? and the ?dual ladder? approach to career management.
New thinking in the era of globalisation deals with R&D in a holistic framework. This includes Third and Fourth Generation R&D with their emphasis on product quality, innovation, and responsiveness to the market and the customer.
In India, in the post-globalisation scenario, research is getting more and more business-driven but R&D management is still saddled with a legacy of problems. We lag behind in the production of innovative technologies, our capability in technology assessment and forecasting as well as our knowledge of the international market are not entirely satisfactory. We will also have to gear up to face the challenges arising from issues such as intellectual property rights (patent laws) and environmental consciousness (green technologies).
The paper identifies certain gaps in the field and suggests areas of further study.
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