Strategic control of R&D resource allocations in diversified businesses

Proper allocation of R&D resources across strategic business units is a challenge that has long been faced by executives of diversified business enterprises. Igal Ayal and Robert Rothberg have chosen to address this issue, applying a distinction between effectiveness and efficiency of R&D spending. Most companies seem to overcontrol such allocations in terms of tactical detail or efficiency considerations, and undercontrol in terms of strategic significance or effectiveness. Attention to the effectiveness of allocations requires that management assess the linkage between R&D spending and the attainment of overall corporate goals. The article draws conclusions about the design of appropriate R&D proposal generation and evaluation procedures and project control systems in strategically decentralized companies.