Research programs are coordinated by large organizations and vary in structure and objectives. Program managers oversee projects and ensure they remain in business. Different organizations have different goals for research programs, including market research, social goals, and development. Inter-organizational funding and cooperation may occur.
A research program coordinates several projects that share a common research goal. Such programs are commonly directed and funded by large organizations, such as universities, corporations, NGOs, and governments. Depending on an organization’s needs and interests, research programs vary widely in terms of structures and objectives.
Research program managers work primarily to coordinate and oversee all involved projects and ensure they remain in business. Sponsored projects will typically have their immediate managers as well. This person is usually responsible for the design and implementation of the particular project.
In many cases, the relationship between a research program and a research project could be likened to that between a franchisee and a franchisee. The franchisor provides an established set of guidelines and a support system while the franchisee works directly to develop their particular business. As within a franchise system, the overall success of a research program depends on that of its smaller components. Project leaders might interact with each other when the success of one project depends on another, or they may conduct their own business more independently. In both cases, all projects are responsible for the oversight program and its objectives.
Different types of organizations have different goals in developing new research programs. A for-profit company might launch a research program to learn more about its market, its competition, and product or service development opportunities. These research programs are designed to uncover market demands, find ways to better meet those demands, and generally become more competitive. Additionally, business research programs are often set up to review expenses and costs, incorporate new technologies and organizational tools, and prepare for a large operation such as an engineering project. A firm might also develop research programs aimed at supporting social goals, which might focus on helping the surrounding community or the firm’s employees.
Socially oriented research programs are also commonly initiated by NGOs and governments. They could be aimed at economic or political development, improving services such as education or health care, promoting entrepreneurship in citizens, protecting the environment, integrating newcomers into a society, or any number of goals that the organization has set for itself. Furthermore, governments frequently fund research programs that promote growth in certain sectors. A university may sometimes focus on research for its own sake, i.e. for the development of human knowledge. Inter-organizational funding and cooperation on research projects where interests overlap may also occur.
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