Software and technology companies
Bringing product development activities into an R&D framework.
R&D · Center
R&D Center Setup
Preparation and consulting to give your R&D activities a formal structure.
In brief
- Eligibility analysis of current R&D activities.
- Preparation of organization, processes and documentation.
- Approval is not guaranteed; the current legislation applies.
An R&D center is a structure in which a company carries out its research and development activities with a separate organization, qualified staff and manageable projects. Meeting the criteria required by the legislation means not just preparing documents but building a truly sustainable R&D culture.
Before setup, the nature of your current R&D activities, your staff structure, project portfolio and physical/technical infrastructure are assessed. Since legislation and criteria may change over time, the current regulation applies to each application.
In detail
R&D Center Setup: how do we do it?
R&D center setup roadmap
First, we assess whether the company's innovative work qualifies as R&D. Then the R&D organization (unit, roles, reporting), staff structure and project portfolio are designed. At this stage it is clarified which activities will be tracked as R&D and which will not.
Processes are documented: methods for project opening, tracking, spending and output reporting are defined.
Application file and beyond
The application file brings together organization, staff, infrastructure and project information in the required format. The language must be clear and verifiable.
After setup, the discipline of recording, reporting and project management is maintained; this is necessary both for audit readiness and for R&D efficiency.
Scope
What do we offer?
01
Preliminary assessment
Eligibility analysis of current activities, staff and infrastructure.
02
Organization design
Defining the R&D unit, roles and processes.
03
Project management
Planning, tracking and reporting processes for R&D projects.
04
Documentation
Preparing the document set needed for the application and operation.
05
Education
Briefing the team on R&D management.
06
Continuity
Post-setup improvement and monitoring recommendations.
Problem → solution
Which problems do we solve?
Problem
We do R&D, but it isn't recorded.
Our solution
We link activities to a project-based recording and reporting system.
Problem
The process looks complicated.
Our solution
We provide a step-by-step roadmap and document set.
Problem
In-house expertise is limited.
Our solution
We strengthen the team with training and consulting.
Process
How does the process work?
- 01
Preliminary assessment
Eligibility and gap analysis.
Deliverable: Preliminary report - 02
Organization and processes
Unit, roles and process design.
Deliverable: Organization document - 03
File preparation
Application documents.
Deliverable: Application file - 04
Afterwards
Reporting and improvement.
Deliverable: Operating guide
Use cases
How is it used in real life?
Manufacturing companies
Institutionalizing new product and process development work.
Engineering firms
Structuring technical development projects.
Things to watch out for
Common mistakes and the right way
Common mistake
Only preparing documents
The right way
The right way: build a real R&D management system.
Common mistake
Not recording activities
The right way
The right way: project-based recording and reporting.
Common mistake
Following outdated legislation
The right way
The right way: confirm the current regulation.
Portfolio
Our projects related to this service
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Developing an AI-based product idea, determining its eligibility for a funding program and preparing the application file.
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A virtual reality training simulation that lets trainees safely experience hazardous work environments and measures training performance.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements for setting up an R&D center?
The requirements are defined in the legislation and are updated from time to time. Before applying, we assess your eligibility together under the current regulation.
Is approval of the application guaranteed?
No. Evaluation is at the discretion of the relevant institution; we help ensure the preparation is complete and of high quality.
Can small companies set up an R&D center too?
The criteria are assessed according to company size; in the preliminary assessment we discuss possible options and alternative funding routes.
What advantages does an R&D center certificate provide?
Under the legislation, there are various tax and social security incentives for staff working in R&D centers and for R&D expenditure. Since scope and rates change with the legislation, you should confirm the current regulation with your accountant.
What's the difference between an R&D center and a design center?
An R&D center carries out scientific and technical R&D activities; a design center carries out activities such as industrial design and product and packaging design. Which one suits your company depends on the type of your activities.
How many R&D staff does a center need?
The minimum number of staff and their qualifications are set in the relevant regulation and may be updated over time. Before applying, we check eligibility under current legislation.
Is there a physical space requirement for an R&D center?
A work area separable from other units, where the center will carry out its activities, is required. The layout of the space, equipment and how the separation will be documented are part of the application preparation.
What does the application file include?
It includes sections such as company information, R&D organization, staff list and qualifications, ongoing/planned projects, equipment and infrastructure information, and R&D strategy. It's important that the documents are consistent and verifiable.
What are the obligations after the certificate is obtained?
Periodic reporting, regular record-keeping of projects and expenditures, maintaining staff requirements and preparing for audits are required. We support setting up the document and record system for this process.
How does the consulting process for setting up an R&D center work?
We follow the stages of eligibility analysis, addressing gaps, document and project preparation, and tracking the application and evaluation process. The decision is up to the relevant institution; approval of the application cannot be guaranteed.
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