Terms A-Z

see Research and Development (R&D)

Research and experimental development (R&D) comprise creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase ... the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications (cf. Frascati Manual 2002, section 63). Expenditure incurred in the context of this work is expenditure on research and development. A distinction is made between intramural and extramural R&D expenditures.

"Intramural expenditures" are all expenditures for R&D performed within a statistical unit or sector of the economy during a specific period, whatever the source of funds (cf. Frascati Manual 2002, sections 358 f).

"Extramural expenditures" are the sums a unit, organization or sector reports having paid or committed themselves to pay to another unit, organization or sector for the performance of R&D during a specific period (cf. Frascati Manual 2002, section 408). These are mostly research contracts awarded to other companies, universities or governmental research institutes.

R&D personnel of a statistical unit includes all persons directly engaged in R&D, i.e., employees of the statistical unit, ... external staff fully integrated into the R&D activities of the statistical unit, as well as persons providing direct services for the R&D activities (such as R&D managers, administrative staff, technical specialists, and office staff). R&D personnel can be divided into three categories: researchers, technical personnel, and other personnel.

Research and experimental development (in short: research and development, R&D) is creative and systematic work undertaken ... to increase the stock of knowledge - including knowledge about humanity, culture, and society - and developing new applications based on existing knowledge. R&D encompasses three areas: basic research, applied research, and experimental development.

Researchers are one of the three categories of R&D personnel. Researchers are professionals engaged in the conception and ... generation of new knowledge. They conduct research and improve or develop concepts, theories, models, techniques, instruments, software, or processes. Researchers typically hold a higher education degree. However, other R&D personnel with a secondary education and several years of professional experience may also perform similar tasks to those of a researcher in a given context. (see also R&D personnel).