The IT Research and Innovation process exists to identify new developments in technology, methods and solutions that have potential to create business value. It conducts research on the applicability and benefit of new approaches and technologies, and promotes the use of viable, innovative concepts in support of business objectives.

General definitions of:

• Research:

• Innovation:

Outcomes

As a result of successful implementation of this process:

• The business is fully aware of marketplace, industry and technology trends, and the potential impact of these forces
• Business value is created through the qualification and staging of the most appropriate advances and innovations in technology, methods and solutions
• Business objectives are met with improved quality and reduced cost as a result of the identification and promotion of viable innovative solutions for operational usage 

Scope

The process covers any selected combination of internal, external and cooperative efforts in any part of the range of research and innovation activities.

Includes

• Identification of areas or fields to be researched
• Responding to research requests and identifying relevant developments within monitored fields of interest
• Monitoring, understanding, and promoting:
  • Market and industry trends
  • Emerging technologies
  • Technology-enabled solutions
  • Methods and techniques for exploiting technology and solutions
  • Solution strategies
  • Organizing the storage and retrieval of research results 

Excludes

• Decisions on adopting innovative technologies and solutions for productive use (Portfolio Management)
• Actual development and deployment of solutions for productive use (Realization and Transition processes)
• Project Management (Program and Project Management)