A review of R&D evaluation methods

R&D evaluation methods and associated techniques are briefly reviewed. First, the use of checklists-ranging from a simple list of elements to a catalogue of profiles, or information patterns-is investigated. Then, some of the difficulties of interpretation and application of the deceptively simple index method-including consideration of the Olsen, Pacifico, Teal, and Disman formulas-are examined. This method is approached also from the return on original investment (ROOI) viewpoint and, by this means, several intriguing and unifying relationships, and certain new R&D indices are derived. Following a look at some indices of different type, some miscellaneous methods-including risk analysis, credibility forecast, decision tree, impact analysis, and one or two other techniques-are touched upon.