The Internet can be used as a relatively cheap and very effective way of researching and developing (R&D) new products and services.

As part of the R&D process, it is important to know what new relevant technologies are available or soon will be, what new related scientific breakthroughs have been made, and what innovative ideas or processes are being put forward that might impact on a company's plans for new products and services.

What to do

As part of your e-business planning, develop a process for the identification and systematic review of websites relevant to your R&D practices and needs. These may include regular reviews of the websites of:

• industry bodies and professional associations
• individual companies involved in the industry
• competitors 
• research and "think-tank" organisations
• industry magazines and periodicals
• universities and TAFE colleges
• scientific organisations - eg CSIRO
• government departments and agencies responsible for industry development, R&D and innovation.  

Many of these sites will offer subscription to e-newsletters and email alerts which provide a convenient means of keeping in touch.

You could also use search engines to conduct online research. Using a search engines such as, www.google.com, www.yahoo.com, www.looksmart.com, you can uncover research and developments you did not know existed. Try using a search engine like Google, and search for a phrase that relates to the R&D area relevant to you, for example, "plastic mould injection research"  or "organic fertilising research".

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