Research and development

Research and development (R&D or R+D) is the set of innovative activities undertaken by corporations, wealthy industrialists (such as Alfred Lee Loomis), or governments in developing new services or products. R&D constitutes the first stage of development of a potential new service or the production process.

Although R&D activities may differ across businesses, the primary goal of an R&D department is to develop new products and services.

R&D differs from the vast majority of corporate activities in that it is not intended to yield immediate profit, and generally carries greater risk and an uncertain return on investment.

R&D is crucial for acquiring larger shares of the market through new products. R&D&I represents R&D with innovation.