Glossary:Boundaries of R & D
To determine whether or not a particular activity falls within or outside the boundaries of R & D, the following criteria are used:
- if the primary objective is to make further technical improvements on the product or process, then the work comes within the definition of research and development (R & D);
- if, on the other hand, the product, process or approach is substantially set and the primary objective is to develop markets, to do pre-production planning or to get a production or control system working smoothly, the work is no longer considered to be R & D.
Further information
- Science, technology and innovation (methodology)