Research Methodology and Study Domain

Abstract

This Section provides the theoretical foundation for this monograph. This chapter concentrates on the research methodology and study domain. A distinction is made between the trajectories of theory construction and theory application. The attention is then focused on the study domain. A broad definition of R&D is given, and it is classified into basic research, applied research and experimental development. After a factual overview at Dutch R&D in general, it focuses on biomedical research in particular. Because of its multinational character, the features of industrial pharmaceutical innovation are discussed on a more global level. In the next two chapters, the concepts of systems theory on which this study is based, are discussed in more detail. Chapter 2 concentrates on structure, behaviour and control at the level of the whole organization, and chapter 3 focuses on the object of study, i.e. the research unit level.