Abstract
This book traces the evolution and trends in research and development (R&D) and sheds
light on key R&D practices of vital importance for human, institutional, and economic
sector growth.
Following an introductory chapter, the subsequent book chapters are classified into three
sections: (1) “R&D for human growth and prosperity,” (2) “R&D for institutional growth,”
and (3) “R&D for economic sector growth.”
The introductory chapter adopts a top-down approach gathering a pool of knowledge about
R&D: trends, evolution, needs, challenges, and types; policies and strategies; ecosystems;
data management systems, infrastructures, and leaders; and outcome and impact evaluation
systems and frameworks.
The first section of the book covers a topical theme on human development and researchdevelopment-
extension relationships emphasizing that human capital is the most important
strategic factor for development.
The second section of the book covers a topical theme on R&D for institutional growth, with
particular focus on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It addresses the topic of
SME development through public and private partnerships and the key role of research
transfer and patent information analysis.
The third section of the book focuses on R&D in three sectors of paramount importance for
economic growth: smart microgrids, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission, and
metallurgical industry. The chapter on smart microgrids addresses the important R&D issue
of optimizing local resources toward increased efficiency and a more sustainable growth.
The first chapter on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission focuses on hybrid
energy evaluation and greenhouse gas mitigation methods for sustaining the growth and
economy of nations. The third chapter sheds light on the transforming landscape of research
and development in the metallurgical industry of Romania. The chapter traces the evolution/
involution of metallurgical industry in Romania during the period 1990–2016.
The book chapters are written in a brief and easy-to-read style and aim at motivating future
thinking, fostering research and development, and inspiring new collaboration models.
Target readers of this book are various economic stakeholders including academia, industry,
investors, and public sector entities. The book can be used as an academic reference and a
guide for academia, public sector, funding agencies, and industry. Given its transdisciplinary
coverage of various areas in research and development, this book fills a knowledge gap
and motivates research and innovation among academia, industry, and public sector...