Research and development (R&D or R+D), aka Research and Technical (or Technological) Development (RTD), is the set of innovative activities undertaken by corporations, wealthy industrialists (such as Alfred Lee Loomis), or governments in developing new services or products. R&D constitutes the first stage of development of a potential new service or the production process.

Although R&D activities may differ across businesses, the primary goal of an R&D department is to develop new products