Building an R&D strategy for Global impact

The term Research and Development (R&D) refers to a range of activities that extend from early exploration of a domain knowledge to specific practical implementations.

The global expenditure on research and development (R&D) is immense. In 2019, worldwide R&D spending reached $2.3 trillion, which is about 2 percent of the global GDP. This expenditure was roughly split between industry and contributions from governments and academic institutions. Furthermore, the annual investment in R&D has been increasing at an approximate rate of 4 percent per year over the past decade.


Industry Focus

The medical sector, alongside high tech, agriculture, and consumer goods, stands out for its substantial R&D expenditure relative to revenues. These industries allocate more than 20 percent of their earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) to research and development activities.


Explore our R&D programs and learn how we assist talented scientists in their pursuit of innovation.


Innovation : Substance Vs. Process

At the core of the biggest R&D endeavors lies the essence of concise processes; all innovation projects are founded upon the same core activities. However, the substance of the matter is a far more delicate challenge, centered around humans. Placing human capital at the epicenter of its strategy, NIA is dedicated to nurturing talent and cultivating a culture of creativity and collaboration. By harnessing the expertise of its Researcher Members and partners, NIA aims to forge synergies that bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Management of Technological Innovation

Each innovation project just has to start from scratch again. The new, the unprecedented is the kernel of such an endeavor and thus, there is in general very little one can learn from others.

Management of Innovation is defined as linking engineering, science, and management disciplines to plan, develop, and implement technological capabilities to shape and accomplish the strategic and operational objectives. 

NIA is committed to taking a proactive stance in R&D management, employing a comprehensive approach that integrates problem-solving frameworks and recognizes the interconnectedness of innovation streams with the expertise of our research team.

Learn more about Incubation .

Choosing Problems

Your ability to choose the right problems to work on, is more important than your raw technical skills.

Every R&D project is an investment endeavor, representing a series of steps from conception to full realization and technological fruition. For organizations spearheading innovation, cultivating an appreciation for ideas that offer sound investment potential requires a deep understanding of the inherent risks associated with each project, as well as a robust strategy for navigating the dynamic technological landscape and ensuring successful implementation.


The modern R&D Landscape

The first step in building an effective R&D strategy is to understand the main challenges of the modern R&D landscape. This understanding will then inform the development of nationally implemented solutions.
Innovation cycles are accelerating. 

The increasing use of software and advancements in simulation and automation have significantly reduced experimentation costs while boosting R&D throughput. Innovation is also accelerating due to the rise of broadly applicable technologies like digital and biotech emerging from outside major industry players.

Projects have few accountability metrics

Most R&D groups struggle to measure and communicate progress effectively, unlike the pharmaceutical industry, which uses a standard pipeline with clear metrics. Describing failure as experimentation and success in terms of patents, makes it difficult for corporate leaders to quantify R&D’s contribution.

Pressing need for National Technological Acceleration

Morocco must enhance its technological capabilities to foster economic growth and innovation to catch up to the international state of the art. By investing in human capital development and advocating for software-based R&D strategies, Morocco can position itself as a leader in both regional and global markets.

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