Disrupt through digital: a study on the challenges faced when digitalizing R&D
通过对联合利华的深度案例研究，识别出研发数字化过程中的三大组织挑战：管理、行为和数字技能，为研发管理者提供实用建议。
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.