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Reference.org
Research and development
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<p>Research and development (R&D or R+D), known in some countries as <a href="/facts/OKB/Tf3D8le0">experiment and design</a>, is the set of innovative activities undertaken by corporations or governments in developing new services or products. R&D constitutes the first stage of development of a potential new service or the production process. </p><p>Although R&D activities may differ across businesses, the primary goal of an R&D department is to <a href="/facts/New_product_development/ogcXTIco">develop new products</a> and services. R&D differs from the vast majority of corporate activities in that it is not intended to yield immediate profit, and generally carries greater risk and an uncertain <a href="/facts/Return_on_investment/M8qYt4Yf">return on investment</a>. R&D is crucial for acquiring larger shares of the market through new products. <i>R&D&I</i> represents R&D with innovation. </p>