Title: Research and development resourcing when faced with fundamental market dynamics

Authors: Jonathan D. Moizer, Mike Towler

Addresses: Plymouth Business School, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK. ' Plymouth Business School, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK

Abstract: System dynamics has been used over a number of years to explore and explain the role Research and Development (R&D) can play in shaping the dynamics of a firm or industry. This paper describes how a dynamic simulation model can be built which broadly characterises and captures the causal feedback structure and performance behaviour inherent to a generic R&D system within a firm. Alternative futures are played out to explore the long-term consequences of a confluence of R&D resource decisions, coupled with changes to market demand. Particular attention is paid to aspects of the Consumer Electronics (CE) industry, within such a rapidly changing industries system dynamics is recommended as an approach to inform R&D resourcing decisions.

Keywords: system dynamics; research and development; R&D performance; resource allocation; R&D intensity; consumer electronics; market dynamics; dynamic simulation; modelling; R&D resourcing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2007.013364

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2007 Vol.9 No.4, pp.434 - 452

Published online: 23 Apr 2007 *

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