Knowledge utility results from rigor in methods and relevance in content

Objective. To increase the utility of knowledge generated through R&D projects to industry. Main Content. Review the role of R&D in technology-based innovations, discuss three key assumptions driving the actions of R&D investigators, and reinforce the importance of ensuring both rigor and relevance in selected methods. Focus Group methods are described in detail as an example of a method popular in the literature, yet infrequently practiced according to generally accepted methods. Results. Focus Group example shows substantial disparity between industry standard methods and the ad hoc approaches reported in the literature. Actual practices tend to be lax in sampling and recruitment, number of participants and groups, involvement of trained moderators and preparation of customer-driven scripts. Conclusions. The utility of knowledge to the intended user is determined by its relevance to their immediate concerns, and the rigor of the methods used to generate it. Properly implemented methods applied to serve the information needs of the right customer, optimize the translation of knowledge and the transfer of technology.