Disrupt through digital: a study on the challenges faced when digitalizing R&D

Abstract

Data availability statement: Data are available from the authors with the permission of Unilever.Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Digitalization and automation represent potential sources of disruption to the organization and practice of research and development (R&D). Digitalization has the potential to revolutionize future R&D, as digitalized R&D may improve efficiency and minimize risk thus reducing cycle and development times. However, companies expect organizational challenges in their R&D organization when they start to implement and work with digital technologies. Through an in-depth case analysis, we investigate these organizational challenges at Unilever, one of the world's leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies. Three challenges were identified: (1) managerial challenges; (2) behavioral challenges; and (3) digital technology skills challenges. Based on the identified challenges within the context of digitalizing an R&D center, our study provides some practical advice to R&D managers.UK Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded Centre in Advanced Fluid Engineering for Digital Manufacturing (CAFE4DM) [EP/R00482X/1]