Research and development

Research and development, skilled designers and new technology can support these improvements. UK aerospace businesses, for example, have strengths in wing design and engine development. This illustrates how technical expertise can help a business compete on product performance rather than price alone.

Research and development (R&D) is the work of investigating ideas and developing or improving products and processes. For a new product, this can involve developing and testing designs before launch. Market research serves a different purpose: it investigates customers and demand.