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Research and development (R&D) in the innovation sector are intricately connected, serving as the foundation for transforming ideas into impactful solutions.
Whether you agree or disagree, research is an undeniable component of innovation. At any stage of product development, startups, and innovators will inevitably need to apply research methodologies to justify their solutions, understand their market segment, or identify the intensity of the problems they aim to solve. This interdependence illustrates the complex yet intertwined relationship between research and innovation.
According to Gulbrandsen and Høiland (2021), the relationship between research and innovation can be categorized into two primary types:
- Research-to-Innovation:
Research-to-innovation occurs when research findings inform or catalyze new innovations, ensuring evidence-based approaches. This pathway typically involves researchers, university students, and academics who begin with research and then venture into the innovation process.
- Research-in-Innovation:
Research-in-innovation refers to the process where innovation encounters problems that are resolved through the procurement and application of research. Here, innovators start with an idea or solution and later apply research methods to validate market needs or problem-solution fit. This approach is often undertaken by field experts and communities directly impacted by a problem.
Many innovations follow the research-in-innovation route because individuals in the field better understand user needs. However, this does not imply that one route is superior to the other. Both pathways can lead to success, though emphasis is placed on the research-to-innovation route for its structured approach. To which as of recent, there have been substantial discussions about how to turn research to commercialization (R2C) or as we would like to call it here Research to innovation.
Recently, IIH participated in Innovation Week (IWTZ 2024) in Tanzania, which included a roundtable discussion titled “From Research to Commercialization in Tanzania.” This insightful session brought together policymakers, researchers, research institutions, innovators, development partners, and academics. A recurring point out was the abundance of brilliant research papers that failed to reach commercialization. This gap often stems from researchers' different objectives, such as publishing papers or university students aiming to graduate, which, while valid, miss the potential impact of advancing these papers to product testing.
To successfully transform research into innovation fostering a mindset shift from research for findings to research for innovations is essential. A research work that is aiming for innovation/commercialization, the journey typically involves the following phases:
1. Scanning:
The initial phase involves searching for a problem by observing your surroundings, drawing inspiration from your community, and reviewing literature to identify knowledge gaps. This stage ignites a passion for solving the identified problem. Effective scanning requires skills such as critical observation, analytical thinking, and the ability to identify emerging trends and unmet needs. Networking with industry experts, attending relevant conferences, and participating in workshops can also enhance the scanning process.
2. Research:
At this stage, researchers who have identified a problem begin the research process. This involves critical thinking, extensive literature reviews, and user feedback. The goal is to develop an evidence-based solution, a solid value proposition, and an understanding of the market segment.
3. Innovation:
After identifying the value proposition, the next step is to plan the execution of scaling up the innovative solution into a product or service. Innovators follow the innovation lifecycle, often participating in incubation and acceleration programs for support. These programs are provided by different hubs such as the Ifakara Innovation Hub to support the growth of solutions quickly. Remember to patent or license your idea to protect it.
The journey from research to commercialization may be complex, but it is achievable through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Emphasizing a shift from research for the sake of findings to research geared towards innovation is crucial. Innovation and research are vital for driving economic and technological development, and pushing our country forward.
By focusing on these structured phases and honing the necessary skills, researchers and innovators can bridge the gap between research and practical, commercial success, ultimately contributing to broader economic and technological advancements.
Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash
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