How do you combine different research and development projects?

1 Align with vision

The first step to combine different R&D projects is to align them with your vision and goals. You need to have a clear and coherent vision of what you want to achieve with your R&D efforts, and how they fit into your overall business strategy. You also need to communicate this vision to your team and stakeholders, and ensure that they understand and support it. By aligning your R&D projects with your vision, you can avoid duplication, confusion, and conflict, and focus on the most relevant and impactful outcomes.

2 Prioritize projects

The next step to combine different R&D projects is to prioritize them according to their urgency, importance, feasibility, and alignment with your vision. You need to assess the value and risk of each project, and compare them with your available resources, time, and budget. You can use various tools and methods to prioritize your projects, such as the Eisenhower matrix, the MoSCoW technique, or the RICE score. By prioritizing your projects, you can allocate your resources more efficiently and effectively, and avoid overloading or underutilizing your team.

3 Communicate projects

The third step to combine different R&D projects is to communicate them clearly and consistently to your team and stakeholders. You need to share the vision, goals, priorities, and progress of each project, and solicit feedback and input from relevant parties. You also need to coordinate and collaborate with other teams and departments that are involved or affected by your R&D projects, and ensure that they are aligned and integrated. By communicating your projects, you can foster trust, transparency, and teamwork, and avoid misunderstandings, errors, and delays.

4 Evaluate projects

The final step to combine different R&D projects is to evaluate them regularly and systematically. You need to measure and monitor the performance and impact of each project, and compare them with your expected outcomes and indicators. You also need to review and reflect on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of each project, and identify areas for improvement and learning. By evaluating your projects, you can celebrate successes, learn from failures, and adjust your plans and strategies accordingly.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?