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Research methodology
We believe that scientific research methods, research techniques, and creative processes can all be supported by the research methodology we use.
OUR R&D METHODOLOGY
Benefits of using a research methodology
Even the most creative researcher colleagues need an approach that helps to ensure the reproducibility of experiments, the correct application of statistical methods, and the comparability of evaluation procedures and results. This is our research methodology.
Most reputable research institutes use a research methodology that combines in some way the advantages of project management methodologies and quality management tools, and helps to keep research colleagues focused on the task at hand.
The research methodology we use ensures the following criteria are met:
Our methodology is in line with the White Paper Methodological Guidelines issued by the Hungarian SZTNH as well as OECD's Frascati Manual.
It helps to assess the novelty of the planned innovation, to identify areas where the state of the art of science and existing professional achievements need to be checked.
It helps to identify scientific and technical uncertainties and how to resolve them.
It guarantees the presentability of creative activity.
It helps to implement activities in a systematic way.
In the case of successful experiments, it guarantees results that can be used or reproduced by others.
Novelty
The novelty of the given R&D project must be compared to the accumulated knowledge in the industry, so it is not enough if the results of the project are new only for the given enterprise or the country where the enterprise is headquartered/located, but it must also be proven that there is no such thing and that a similar solution has not been used in the given industry, or that the solutions of other industries cannot be applied in the given industry through routine adaptation.
METHODICAL ACTIVITY
A research and development activity is a planned activity leading to scientific or technological progress, in which both the research process and the results are well documented. The basic characteristic of R&D is that new or innovative knowledge and connections are discovered methodically using the tools of scientific knowledge.
SCIENTIFIC UNCERTAINTY
We can speak of scientific or technical uncertainty when there is no knowledge of (a) whether something is scientifically possible, (b) whether something is technically or technologically feasible, and (c) how something can be implemented and measured in practice.
CREATIVE ACTIVITY
The aim of an R&D project should always be to implement new or novel concepts and ideas that will add to the existing knowledge. Routine activities are not considered creative activities.
REPRODUCIBILITY
The description of the R&D process should be at least specific enough to be potentially feasible and reproducible by competent experts from other organisations, based on the steps of the research process, the research plan, and other documentation.
APPLIED RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
Applied research and experimental development
According to the Frascati Manual, applied research is an original investigation to gain new knowledge. However, it is primarily directed towards the realisation of specific practical objectives. For example, the creation of new methods or procedures to solve specific problems can be considered applied research. This activity may involve both the processing of existing scientific knowledge and its systematic extension, but the results must be directly applicable to a product, process, method, or system, and not a general principle, which is a category of basic research.
According to the Frascati Manual, experimental development is a systematic activity that seeks to introduce new products and new processes and to improve existing results by building on the knowledge gained from research and practical experience and by generating new knowledge. Experimental development can therefore be defined as an activity aimed at translating the knowledge gained through research into practical applications, including activities for testing and evaluation.
Further information on the subject:
FEHÉR KÖNYV - Methodological guidelines for the R&D evaluation of proposals (published by SZTNH, Hungary)
Frascati Manual - Guidelines for Collecting and Reporting Data on Research and Experimental Development (published by OECD)
Foundations of our methodology
Experimentation instead of a linear progress
In addition to novelty, a fundamental requirement for experimental development is that there should be a clear scientific and technological uncertainty in the project, i.e. that the development process should not lead to a linear outcome in favour of a single solution, but should indeed involve experimentation. The use of methods which are experimental in their approach (e.g. optimisation methods) does not mean in itself that experimental development has been carried out, since the application is routine and the objectives are well established and known.
1. Choosing research directions
2. Conducting a series of experiments
3. Evaluation of results and return to point 1
Are you planning an R&D project?
Ask one of our experts for help in preparing your project and exploring funding opportunities.
What makes for high-quality applied research?
The quality of basic research is usually measured by validity and reliability criteria. In addition to these two criteria, applied research has to meet a number of other criteria, including efficiency, effectiveness, feasibility, relevance and sufficiency.
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