what types of activities can be found in research and development 
research and development activities focus on the innovation of new products or services in a company among the primary purposes of r d activities is for a company to remain competitive as it produces products that advance and elevate its current product line since r d typically operates on a longer term horizon its activities are not anticipated to generate immediate returns however in time r d projects may lead to patents trademarks or breakthrough discoveries with lasting benefits to the company 