National Science Foundation’s Definitions of Basic, Applied and Developmental Research:
Source:
https://wayback.archive-it.org/5902/20160210142940/http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/randdef/
R&D includes the following:
• the planned, systematic pursuit of new knowledge or understanding toward general
application (basic research);
• the acquisition of knowledge or understanding to meet a specific, recognized need
(applied research); and
• the application of knowledge or understanding toward the production or improvement of
a product, service, process, or method (development).
...This survey specifically excludes quality control, routine product testing, market research,
sales promotion, sales service, and other nontechnological activities; routine technical services;
and research in the social sciences or psychology.
This survey defines basic research, applied research, and development as follows:
Basic research is the pursuit of new scientific knowledge or understanding that does not have
specific immediate commercial objectives, although it may be in fields of present or potential
commercial interest.
Applied research applies the findings of basic research or other existing knowledge toward
discovering new scientific knowledge that has specific commercial objectives with respect to
new products, services, processes, or methods.
Development is the systematic use of the knowledge or understanding gained from research or
practical experience directed toward the production or significant improvement of useful
products, services, processes, or methods, including the design and development of prototypes,
materials, devices, and systems.
