Defining R and D

The aim of this research has been to understand how R&D should be conceptualised for the arts and cultural knowledge domains, defined for policy purposes, measured and evaluated. The work has considered approaches to R&D from academia and practice.

This has been a piece of commissioned research which has been undertaken as a component of the Digital Research and Development (R&D) Fund for the Arts' programme. The Digital R&D Fund for the Arts was a strategic partnership between the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (Nesta), Arts Council England (ACE) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The headline findings of this work are that rather than having a unique definition of R&D for the arts and cultural knowledge domains there is a value in having one unified R&D definition encompassing all knowledge domains for policy purposes. Within the context of science and technology, an R&D definition first agreed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries in 1963 has over the years given rise to various public funding structures for R&D, including subsidies and tax breaks. A unified R&D definition for all knowledge domains (the arts and science and technology) could in principle result in parity across all knowledge domains. The resulting definition should:

recognise R&D as a legitimate and well understood practice delivered across all knowledge domains, e.g. arts, humanities, science, technology etc.
aid collaboration and understanding across all those domains delivering R&D.
provide a basis on which to build a framework to measure R&D, in a way in which R&D activity can be evaluated.
provide a focus for policymakers and funders.
foster greater understanding of the value of R&D in the eyes of the wider public.

As a result of this work, the existing science and technology definition of R&D in the Frascati Manual (OECD, 2002 6th ed. and 2015 7th ed.) was identified as the basis for a unified R&D definition for all knowledge domains and was tested and evolved with key stakeholders. Historically, the Frascati Manual R&D definition has been used to align to positivist and post-positivist perspectives which exclude some research paradigms. The Manual whilst expanding to acknowledge that R&D occurs across the arts and cultural knowledge domains still needs to rebalance its emphasis on science and technology and extend its R&D definition further. A definition of R&D for all knowledge domains needs to encompass approaches which alter or change people as well as producing products. Key to altering the definition is a need to extend the definition to include 'experiences' and 'behaviours'. As a definition for policymakers R&D must deliver 'value' albeit this will be judged in a range of ways. The proposed definition below explicitly recognises the contributions R&D makes not just to the economy but culture and society.

PROPOSED R&D DEFINITION FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS WITH HIGHLIGHTED CHANGES TO INDICATE ALTERATIONS FROM THE FRASCATI MANUAL (2015) (red highlights are deletions whilst yellow highlights are additions)

Research and experimental development (R&D) comprise creative and systematic work undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge - including knowledge of humankind, culture and society - and to devise new applications of economic, cultural or social value of available knowledge.

Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena, observable facts and behaviours, without any particular application or use in view.

Applied research is original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific intended practical aim or objective.

Experimental development is systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience and producing additional knowledge, which is directed to producing new products, experiences or processes or to improving existing products, experiences or processes.

FINAL PROPOSED R&D DEFINITION FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS:

Research and experimental development (R&D) comprise creative and systematic work undertaken in order to increase knowledge - including knowledge of humankind, culture and society - and to devise new applications of economic, cultural or social value of available knowledge.

Applied research is original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific intended aim or objective.

During the course of this study, data was collected to provide illustrations of a range of R&D as it is delivered in practice across arts and culture. It is concluded that further research is required to develop a robust set of R&D case studies in the arts and cultural knowledge domains and a framework for measuring and evaluating arts and cultural R&D, consistent with how statisticians measure the volume of, and estimate the social rate of return from, science and technology-related R&D. This work should draw on the Frascati Manual survey mechanisms but in addition take into account the learning from the REF 2014 frameworks. This work needs to take account of the delivery models for arts and culture which include lone workers, collaborations and SME as well as multinational global entities.

An agreed R&D definition will make the significance of R&D and the process more tangible. This can then be built on with case examples which will engage and capture the public imagination in terms of the arts and cultural knowledge domains delivery of R&D. It is important to recognise the global reach of the Frascati Manual and thus the significance of innovators engaging with the Frascati Manual frameworks provided these can be amended to better represent the delivery of R&D across all knowledge domains.