Research-on-research — Abbott laboratories

At the Abbott Laboratories, various studies have been made for the evaluation of Research and Development. We have shown some of the approaches used and commented on some of the current activities. In the final analysis all such approaches must be considered as tools or aids to R and D management planning, and not as automatic decision makers or sole criterion. Only people make decisions no matter how sophisticated their aids. However, we feel that evaluation of R and D can significantly improve basis for decisions for R and D managements.