Logbook entry #5 - Why research?

Company events rarely are the place for epiphanies and new thoughts. There is usually this lukewarm feeling of shallow careering and surface level networking. However this time, while attending an event meant for our cross site R&D department I actually became inspired.

The source of my inspiration was a statement of our VP for Technology "R&D is, literally, the future of this company" he concluded. It sounds a bit of a truism, and it absolutely is, but nonetheless it emphasizes what is really important. The future of all organizations depends on what they invest in tomorrow, and research is all about innovation and carving new paths.

This got me thinking: doesn't the same apply to our governments a well? Shouldn't research be a strategic priority, and innovation and education be treated like top priorities? Thankfully the world seems to slowly rediscover the power in investing in free thinkers.

I suppose then the next question would be what kind of projects should get funded. Right now, innovation is mostly customer-centric. While this type of innovations has its merits since it's relatively safe bets, its a long term roadblock to innovation. The best discoveries were made either at random (Champagne, wine 😉) or by people messing around with pet projects like the iphone. We should give researchers more autonomy to pick assignments and we will enjoy the dividends.

I will end by another quote of our VP "We shall inspire our customers with radical ideas and capabilities to transform the industry!"

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