Research and development (R&D) is an activity that aims to produce new knowledge, know-how or new solutions. However, not all development is R&D – it can be identified by the following key features:

• Novelty value: The aim of R&D work is always to produce new knowledge or new results. If the work does not aim at this, it is not R&D.
• Creativity: R&D work is creative and innovative. It involves problem formulation and the development and testing of new ideas, concepts, and hypotheses.
• Uncertainty: R&D work involves uncertainty in terms of both the end result and the resources required. If success is a foregone conclusion, it is not R&D.
• Systematic: R&D work is systematic and goal-oriented. It is implemented on budget and its progress is monitored consistently.
• Reproducibility and portability: The results of the R&D work are documented and can be reused, transferred or replicated in other contexts.