Coordinating R&D and business planning

Abstract

In order for US companies to become more competitive they need to improve coordination between their R&D and business planning. This article explanis what is known about coordinating R&D and business palnning, and provides guidance on how to improve it. It examines the development of a technology plan. Before a company can effectively deal with issues related to coordinating R&D and business planning, the R&D organization should understand its own capabilities through developing a technology plan. The intergration of technology planning with business planning is then examined. Two types of business palns are considered in relation to technology planning–product line strategies and a long-range business plan. Finally, the problem of definning on R&D organization's mission clearly is looked at.