Research and Development plays a central role in the innovation process. It’s basically an investment in potential future capabilities which is transformed into new products, processes, and services. But as Lee Funnell points out in his article this month, the culture and focus of value-add is a fundamental ingredient for success.
In the industry and technology sectors such as our data centre “industry” R&D is a key factor in developing new competitive advantages. Examples of this potential are shown in this issue as a result of PEDCA in the form of new capabilities such as DCA Certifications and new training. The EURECA project as well has the potential to have a hugely positive impact for our sector.
However the prominence of data centres is still relatively low when compared to other industry sectors, but as the importance of the data centre sector to society increases, R&D has to become more prevalent and relevant.
Many areas of our industry need further development but as Dr Bashroush points out in his summary of the PEDCA project, an effective framework is needed to bring all the pieces of the jigsaw together.
This means improving the co-ordination, engagement and cohesion in both shaping the agenda, policies and representing this aspect to stakeholders must be a key function of the DCA and its members.