Research and development is the backbone of innovation, and drives society forward

It is by analysing existing systems and operations, and in a far more effective manner finding solutions to any problems that arise, that drives people, technology and businesses forward – that is the influence of research and development (R&D).

As a basic example: By the time one buys a product off the shelf, much research has gone into its uses, design and manufacture.

The first question that arises is: Is this product better or worse than a similar one on the market?

Secondly, is there a cheaper version that works better than the more costly ones?

And the third question is: Am I, as the consumer, prepared to pay more? Yes, but only if I am guaranteed good value for money. If not, I will more than likely opt for a trusted brand or one that stands above the rest.

According to the Britannica Concise Encyclopedia, the definition of R&D is: “in industry, two closely related processes by which new products and new forms of old products are created through technological innovation.

“The work generally focuses on two types of research – basic and applied.

“Basic research is directed toward a generalised goal (e.g. genetic research in a pharmaceutical laboratory). Applied research directs the results of basic research toward the needs of a specific industry, and results in the development of new or modified products or processes.

“In addition to carrying out basic and applied research and developing models, R&D staff may evaluate the efficiency and cost of the product,” it adds.

Therefore, competition between players in an industry is the driving force behind companies wanting to be the biggest and best in the industry: through providing services and products that are ahead of what generally is expected of a product or service, about being smarter and more effective in executing a great product or service to society.

Competitive companies in an industry base their next product or service on R&D, one of the fundamental tools that drive innovation in all aspects of life: societally, culturally and in business.

Chairperson of trends forecasting company, Global Change, Patrick Dixon – who considers himself a futurist – believes that true innovation is doing things differently to serve customers better.

Not making similar-looking cellphones, cars, food products or buildings, but by jumping way ahead of the pack by thinking differently and, in many ways, thinker smarter.

“Real innovation is about finding different things, different ways, different processes, different features, outwitting the competition and serving people in extraordinary ways, perhaps that they haven’t even imagined that they would be able to be served in before,” he says.

A good business leader, according to Dixon, should be in the business of looking to the future; a good business leader should consider him/herself a futurist. As a business leader, one should take hold of one’s future. One has to consider where the future will be, what the economic landscape will be like, future needs, future competitor activity, future regulatory policies – a good business leader needs to consider all these elements in order to stay ahead of the game.

R&D, as an integral part of business, is a valuable tool, as it works in accordance with what is happening in society, and what society wants.

Another area in which R&D is valuable to society is science and technology.

The South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) has an enormous role to play in uplifting society.

As mentioned, society moves forward with R&D – and the DST is at the forefront of scientific and technological advancement.

According to its website, the DST strives toward introducing measures that put science and technology to work to make an impact on growth and development in a sustainable manner in areas that matter to all the people of South Africa.

This includes focused interventions, networking, and acting as a catalyst for change in terms of both productive components of our economy – making it competitive in a globally competitive liberalised environment, and also in respect of the huge development backlog existing among the poorest of our society.

The goal of realising this vision is underpinned by development and resourcing strategies for the formation of science, engineering and technology, human capital, democratisation of state and society, promotion of an information society and ensuring environmental sustainability in development programmes.

Essentially, science and technology is linked to the ethos of corporate social responsibility (CSI): A company has a responsibility to ensure the community in which it operates is supported, educated, empowered and healthy because it is the greater community that supports and buys a company’s product.

There would be no point to R&D if communities had no interest in furthering themselves; but today, R&D and CSI are at the forefront of helping citizens to thrive and to participate by contributing to the economy, the environment and society as a whole.

Tracee Harvard