Building Blocks for Tomorrow’s R&D

In the chemical industry, continuous innovation is critical, and companies have done a lot to use digital technology to strengthen the R&D process. But as the industry and technology continue to evolve, chemical companies need to be thinking about the next steps—and asking how they can keep improving the R&D function to stay ahead of the competition.

In a recent report, my Accenture colleagues provide some valuable insights into that question. They examine six technology “building blocks” that will be key enablers of tomorrow’s chemicals R&D—search and content analytics, lab automation, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, intelligent knowledge management and co-creation platforms.

Some of these are enhanced forms of familiar technologies—such as lab automation and powerful search tools—while others are more leading-edge. Quantum computing, for example, was until recently an experimental tool, but now it is finding practical use in some industries that underscores its tremendous potential for R&D in the chemical industry.

Each of these digital tools on its own can be used to improve specific steps in the innovation process. As my colleagues point out, however, their real value lies in what they bring when used in combination. When linked together and implemented in a planned, coordinated fashion, they can accelerate and enhance the entire innovation process, from initial idea to finished product ready for market. In short, these building block technologies are “more than the sum of their parts,” and together, they are likely to provide an important foundation for the R&D function of tomorrow.

To delve deeper into this topic, I encourage you to read the full report, “From disruption to maturity: The evolution of digital R&D in chemicals.”