To hire or not to hire R&D consultants?
Develop or acquire competence: The ongoing dilemma
In a world continuously shaped by digital innovation and evolving regulations, businesses are faced with a crucial question: Should they hire engineering consultants or grow their internal expertise? This decision is more than a mere choice; it's a strategic shift that will define the company's future.
As companies lean towards hiring or acquiring technical expertise, the dilemma persists. This shift aims to alleviate existing employees, infuse specialised knowledge, and catalyse transformative growth.
Why outsource R&D?
In the realm of R&D, speed, efficiency, and expertise are paramount. According to a study published in the Journal of International Management, businesses that engage in strategic R&D outsourcing can achieve higher levels of innovation and competitiveness 1 . However, maintaining an internal R&D department can be a costly affair.
This is where R&D consultants come into play. Outsourcing R&D allows businesses to tap into a pool of specialists who bring in fresh perspectives, cutting-edge knowledge, and a wealth of experience. As highlighted in another study from the Journal of Product Innovation Management, R&D outsourcing can provide companies with access to diverse knowledge bases and specialised skill sets 2 . Moreover, it offers flexibility in scaling up or down based on project requirements, resulting in significant cost savings.
By leveraging the expertise of R&D consultants, businesses can focus on their core competencies while leaving the intricate work of research and development to dedicated professionals. This approach not only saves time and resources but also opens up new avenues for growth and innovation.
Pros with R&D consultants:
Access to broad expertise: Consultants bring updated knowledge in various specialised areas.
Resource flexibility: Ability to adjust resources as per needs, reducing fixed costs.
Development catalyst: Consultants challenge and develop the company through diverse expertise.
Organic development: Expertise is organically ingrained within the company.
Engaging career paths: Fosters interesting technical career paths for employees.
Internal knowledge sharing: Facilitates easier sharing of expertise within the organisation.
The need for speed in R&D
In an era where swift product development and heightened productivity are key, companies must tackle the challenges of resource accessibility, attracting local talent, and creating an appealing work environment. AFRY stands ready to provide a cost-efficient, agile, and productive solution. Our ability to quickly deploy and flexibly manage entire technology areas eliminates the need for laboriously building bespoke teams — we've done the groundwork for you.
Navigating the R&D landscape with AFRY
At AFRY, we understand the challenges businesses face in their R&D journey. We provide bespoke R&D consultancy services, tailored to meet your unique needs. Our team of seasoned experts leverages the power of research and development to transform your innovative ideas into tangible outcomes.
Our R&D consultants are more than just external experts; they become an integral part of your team, working alongside you to drive innovation and growth. We believe in fostering a collaborative partnership, where we bring our expertise to the table while valuing your unique insights and vision.
The AFRY advantage
By choosing AFRY as your R&D partner, you gain:
- External perspectives: Drawing insights from a broad client base, AFRY brings invaluable external viewpoints, often carrying more weight within the C-suite due to our industry-wide experience.
- AI-powered solutions: AFRY facilitates internal acceleration through the creation of custom AI agents, efficiently managing tedious and time-consuming tasks. This ensures continuous competence development and adaptation to evolving technologies.
- Striking the right balance: Addressing challenges involves a delicate equilibrium between seeking external assistance and nurturing internal expertise. AFRY crafts custom teams tailored to your needs, offering project management, planning, and delivery expertise.
- Single point of contact: AFRY provides a streamlined communication channel, maximising efficiency.
- The proficiency to comply with dynamic regulations: AFRY serves as consultants to both companies and government bodies across a wide range of sectors. We prioritise staying ahead of emerging regulations that impact our clients, ensuring that we are well-informed and equipped to offer services that facilitate compliance with these evolving regulatory frameworks.
