Beyond Conventions-New R and D and Its Organisational Policy Implications

New R and D and Its Organisational/Policy Implications Steve Onyeiwu The conventional perception of R and D as an activity whose mam objective is the generation of new products and processes has influenced the ways in which R and D is currently conducted. For instance, more R and D is conducted in business enterprises than in public R and D institutes and universities; and R and D projects are assessed in terms of their potential economic returns rather than on 'non-instrumental' criteria. R and D is much more than the generation of new products and processes. It is also a potent mechanism for exploiting and assimilating external knowledge. As a technological learning device, it enables firms to keep track of developments within an industry, and hence allows them to retain their core competencies. During periods of technological discontinuities, R and D enables firms to 'leapfrog' into new technological paradigms. This broader view of R and D has numerous organisational and policy implications.