I leaned back in my chair, staring at the slide deck I’d just presented.
It was a topic I had always been passionate about — the challenges faced by researchers as they navigate the often uncharted territory of their work.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realised how much of my own journey was reflected in the slides.
Viewing Research Through Different Layers
I’ve always seen research as a multi-layered process, much like the layers in a network system.
Each layer — from the application to the physical — represents a different challenge.
Some researchers operate at the surface, working on problems that are more visible and easier to connect with real-world applications.
Others, like myself, often find ourselves delving deeper into the less-explored, less-visible aspects of a problem.
“Why do you spend so much time on this layer?” a colleague once asked me. “Does anyone even notice?”
I smiled. “Maybe not right now,” I replied, “but it’s the foundation for everything above it. Without this, the entire structure could crumble.”
That’s the thing about deep research — it’s often thankless in the short term. But I’ve always believed in its long-term value.
The Valley of Appreciation
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced — and seen others face — is what I call the “Valley of Appreciation.”
It’s that gap between starting your research and seeing its impact.
The journey through this valley is long and often lonely.
I recall a project I worked on years ago.
It was complex, technical, and far removed from the flashy innovations that grabbed headlines.
I poured months into it, only to be met with silence when I presented my findings.
“Why do we do this?” I asked myself late one night, staring at my notes. “Does anyone care?”
But deep down, I knew the answer.
Research isn’t about instant recognition.
It’s about planting seeds, some of which may take years to bear fruit.
That understanding didn’t make the journey easier, but it gave me a sense of purpose.
Breadth vs Depth: The Eternal Dilemma
Another challenge that often keeps researchers awake at night is deciding whether to focus on breadth or depth.
Should we explore a wide range of topics, scratching the surface of many issues?
Or should we dive deep into a single area, risking irrelevance if that area doesn’t pan out?
I’ve wrestled with this question countless times.
In one particularly heated discussion, a team member argued, “We need to stay broad, Mazlan. The more we cover, the more funding opportunities we’ll get.”
“But depth is where breakthroughs happen,” I countered. “Without it, we’re just scratching the surface.”
That conversation ended without a clear resolution, as such discussions often do. But it reminded me of the importance of balance.
While breadth can offer versatility, depth is where true innovation lies.
The Explorer’s Risk
Being a researcher often feels like being a cave explorer.
You venture into the unknown, armed with little more than your knowledge, instincts, and a flickering light of curiosity.
Each step forward is a gamble — you might uncover something groundbreaking, or you might hit a dead end.
I remember a particularly risky project early in my career.
The technology was nascent, the funding was limited, and the expectations were sky-high. Many advised me against it.
“It’s a career risk, Mazlan,” a mentor warned. “What if it doesn’t work out?”
I hesitated but ultimately decided to proceed.
“If we don’t take risks,” I told myself, “we’ll never move forward.”
The project didn’t yield the results I’d hoped for, but it taught me lessons I’ve carried ever since.
In research, even failures can pave the way for future success.
Do We Reward the Explorers?
This brings me to a question that has haunted me throughout my career:
Do we adequately reward researchers who take these risks?
Society celebrates the visible results of research — groundbreaking products, influential papers — but what about the countless hours spent in labs, the sleepless nights, the failed experiments?
I once attended an awards ceremony where a colleague was being recognised for their work.
During their speech, they acknowledged the researchers who had laid the groundwork for their success, many of whom remained unknown.
“They’re the real heroes,” I thought. “But how often do we remember them?”
This realisation has driven me to advocate for better recognition of researchers, especially those who work in the shadows, tackling foundational problems that may not see the light of day for years.
The Need for Platforms
One lesson I’ve learned is that researchers can’t succeed in isolation.
To go deeper into their work, they need platforms — both literal and metaphorical — that support and amplify their efforts.
These platforms could be funding, collaboration opportunities, or simply a culture that values and understands the importance of research.
During my time in leadership roles, I’ve made it a point to provide such platforms.
I’ve encouraged cross-disciplinary collaborations, championed risky projects, and pushed for policies that recognise the contributions of researchers at all levels.
But there’s still much work to be done.
As I often tell my teams, “We need to create an ecosystem where researchers feel supported, not just when they succeed but also when they fail. Because failure is often the first step toward success.”
Moving Forward
As I closed my laptop after revisiting the presentation, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.
The challenges faced by researchers are real and daunting, but they are also surmountable. B
y understanding these challenges and working to address them, we can create an environment where researchers not only survive but thrive.
To my fellow researchers out there, I have this to say: Keep going.
Your work matters, even when it feels like no one notices.
The seeds you plant today may take years to grow, but when they do, they have the power to change the world.
And to those who support researchers — leaders, policymakers, and society at large — remember that innovation doesn’t happen overnight.
It’s the result of countless hours of unseen effort.
Let’s do more to appreciate and reward that effort.
As for me, I’ll continue navigating this journey, both as a researcher (and as an entrepreneur) and as someone who believes deeply in the value of what we do.
Because, in the end, it’s not just about exploring the unknown — it’s about lighting the way for others to follow.
I sat in my office, reading an email from a colleague at one of our partner organisations.
It was a familiar story.
Their R&D division had spent years developing a product they were convinced would change the game, only for the product team to shelve it in favour of a faster-to-market solution from an external partner.
As someone who has spent years working in and with R&D organisations, I felt a pang of sympathy.
Yet, I also understood the product team’s perspective.
It’s a tug-of-war I’ve seen too many times — one that often ends with bruised egos and strained relationships.
The Slow Pace of R&D
Let me take you back to my days leading an R&D division.
We prided ourselves on our innovative projects, tackling cutting-edge technology that pushed boundaries.
But there was a catch: innovation takes time.
In an ideal world, we could refine our ideas, test them thoroughly, and ensure they were market-ready before launch.
But the market doesn’t wait.
I remember a heated discussion during one project review. The product team was growing increasingly frustrated with our timeline.
“Dr. Mazlan,” they said, “we can’t wait another 18 months. Our competitors are already rolling out similar solutions. What’s the point of perfection if we’re late to the party?”
I understood their frustration, but I also believed in the importance of doing things right. “If we rush,” I countered, “we risk launching a flawed product that damages the company’s reputation. We need time to get this right.”
Despite my reasoning, the gap between R&D’s timeline and the product team’s urgency grew wider.
And the result?
They brought in an external vendor to deliver a quicker solution.
R&D for Publications, Not Products
Another issue I’ve observed is the focus on publications rather than practical solutions.
Don’t get me wrong — publishing research is important.
It showcases expertise and enhances the organisation’s reputation.
But when the primary goal of an R&D team is to publish papers, the end product often becomes secondary.
I’ve seen brilliant engineers and researchers produce groundbreaking work that earned accolades in journals but had little to no commercial viability.
I once asked a colleague, “Why aren’t we aligning our research with customer needs?”
He smiled and said, “Dr. Mazlan, publications are what we’re measured on. Commercialisation is the product team’s problem.”
That statement hit me hard.
If the R&D division isn’t focused on solving real-world problems, how can we expect their work to translate into products that sell?
Misaligned with Customer Needs
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen products fail because they didn’t address real customer problems.
It’s a classic mistake: assuming we know what customers want without actually engaging with them.
I have known a company that had spent millions developing an IoT device. They were confident it would revolutionise the market.
When I asked how they had validated the concept with customers, their response was telling: “We didn’t. The technology speaks for itself.”
When the product launched, sales were abysmal. It turned out the device was too complex for the target audience, and the features they had spent years perfecting weren’t even priorities for their customers.
Reflecting on that experience, I realised how vital it is to involve customers early and often.
Yet, in many R&D teams, there’s a reluctance to do so.
Perhaps it’s fear of criticism or an overconfidence in their expertise.
Either way, the result is the same: products that miss the mark.
The Strain Between R&D and Product Teams
The friction between R&D and product teams is almost inevitable in such scenarios.
The product team has a clear mandate: deliver solutions that generate revenue.
When R&D timelines don’t align with market demands, the product team often looks elsewhere.
I remember a particularly tense meeting where the product head said, “We appreciate the work R&D is doing, but we can’t afford to wait. Our survival depends on getting something out the door now.”
The R&D team felt betrayed. “We’ve been working on this for years,” one researcher said. “Now you’re telling us it’s not good enough? Why didn’t you involve us earlier if time was such a concern?”
Both sides had valid points, but the damage was done.
The R&D team felt unappreciated, while the product team saw them as out of touch.
Bridging the Gap
Over the years, I’ve come to believe that the solution lies in better integration between R&D and product teams.
Here are a few approaches that have worked in my experience:
Early Collaboration: Bringing product and R&D teams together from the start can help align goals. When both sides understand the market realities and technological possibilities, they can co-create solutions that are both innovative and practical.
Customer-Centric Approach: R&D teams should be encouraged to engage directly with customers. This doesn’t mean abandoning research but rather ensuring it’s grounded in real-world needs.
Flexible Metrics: Instead of measuring R&D solely on publications, companies should include metrics related to commercial impact. This can motivate teams to focus on creating market-ready solutions.
Leveraging External Partnerships: While it’s ideal to commercialise in-house R&D, external partnerships can sometimes be the best option. The key is ensuring these partnerships are seen as complementary rather than competitive.
A New Mindset
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success requires a mindset shift.
R&D teams need to see themselves as partners in the commercialisation process, not just creators of technology.
At the same time, product teams must recognise the value of R&D’s long-term contributions.
As I reflect on my own journey, I’m reminded of a project where we managed to get it right.
By involving the product team and customers early, we developed a solution that was both innovative and market-ready.
It wasn’t perfect, but it met the needs of the market — and that was enough.
I still believe in the power of R&D to drive innovation, but I also know that innovation must be paired with practicality.
It’s not an easy balance to strike, but when it works, the results can be transformative.
As I finished reading the email, I decided to share my thoughts with the sender. “I understand your frustration,” I wrote. “But perhaps this is an opportunity to reimagine how your teams collaborate. It’s not about choosing between R&D and product — it’s about finding a way to make them work together.”
It’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way, and one I hope others can learn without the same struggles.
How one customer finds a better way to expedite their IoT project delivery.
How to expedite the IoT project delivery.
I was in the middle of another busy week, juggling multiple tasks, when I got a call.
On the other end is a potential client who is bursting with passion about their IoT hardware innovations but equally overwhelmed by the monumental challenges they face.
They’ve got the hardware down, but the software? That’s another story.
Many hardware-focused businesses find themselves in a predicament.
They’ve invested countless hours and resources into developing cutting-edge IoT devices, but when it comes to the software needed to collect data and manage these devices, they’re at a standstill.
They know that without the right platform, their hardware is like a car without an engine—impressive to look at but not going anywhere fast.
The Challenges in IoT Project Delivery
The client explains their situation in detail. They’re not software experts — they’re hardware innovators.
Developing a custom IoT platform from scratch would divert their focus and entail significant time and financial investments.
And in the tech world, time is of the essence.
The longer it takes to bring their products to market, the higher the risk of being outpaced by competitors.
Moreover, they’re not just looking for any software solution.
To truly unlock the potential of their hardware, they need something that can be tailored to various IoT applications and use-case scenarios.
They want to add value to their products, differentiate themselves in the market, and ultimately deliver more to their customers.
Favoriot to the Rescue
This is where our conversation takes a turn.
I introduce them to Favoriot, an IoT platform designed to bridge the gap between hardware innovation and software functionality.
I explain how Favoriot can be the missing piece in their puzzle, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to effortlessly collect, manage, and analyze IoT data.
Rapid Development and Deployment
With Favoriot, the months-long process of developing a bespoke IoT platform can be condensed into just a few days.
I detail how the platform’s user-friendly interface allows them to set up their devices quickly, define data collection parameters, and start receiving insights almost immediately.
This speed can dramatically accelerate their proof-of-concept phase, allowing them to iterate faster and swiftly bring refined products to market.
Cost-Effective Solution
We delve into the financial benefits.
By choosing Favoriot, they can avoid the hefty investments associated with custom software development.
The platform offers scalable subscription plans, meaning they only pay for what they need and can scale up as their business grows.
This cost-efficiency is music to the ears of any business, especially one that wants to allocate its resources wisely.
However, they can also opt for an on-premise, perpetual license model in which they have the option to scale, control, and own the entire management of IoT projects.
Tailored to Their Needs
I emphasize Favoriot’s versatility, explaining how the platform can support many IoT applications and use cases.
Whether they’re monitoring environmental sensors, tracking assets, or anything in between, Favoriot provides the tools to create customized dashboards, set alerts, and generate actionable insights.
This adaptability ensures that their hardware can serve various industries and applications, enhancing its market appeal.
Adding Value to Their Offerings
Finally, we discuss how Favoriot can help them in terms of technology and adding value to their products.
By leveraging the platform’s capabilities, they can offer their customers more than just hardware; they can provide comprehensive solutions that include data analysis, remote device management, and more.
This value addition can be a significant differentiator in the competitive IoT market.
Moving Forward Together
By the end of our conversation, the mood has shifted from frustration to excitement.
The client sees a clear path forward where Favoriot’s software prowess complements their hardware expertise.
The challenges of IoT platform development no longer bog them down; instead, they’re energized by the possibilities that lie ahead.
In the following days, we collaborate closely, tailoring Favoriot to their needs and setting the stage for a new chapter in their business journey.
They’re now poised to unlock the full potential of their IoT devices, bringing innovative solutions to market faster and more efficiently than ever before.
Collaborations like these can make all the difference, turning challenges into opportunities and innovative ideas into tangible successes.
Here’s how the Favoriot IoT platform can help IoT Developers bring their products to market fast:
How a remarkable smart weather station can serve many things.
A mini weather station that sends data to an IoT platform (Favoriot) can transform the community.
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A small weather station, empowered by solar energy, can change how we monitor local climate.
This compact yet powerful system is designed to gather comprehensive data on rainfall, wind speed, air quality, carbon dioxide levels, atmospheric temperature, humidity, and pressure.
Its integration with solar power underscores a commitment to sustainability and ensures its autonomy and versatility in various locations, making it an invaluable asset for communities and local councils.
Below are the benefits of such a system that you can implement easily:
Collect Data for Environmental Monitoring
This weather station collects data on a wide range of environmental parameters, providing a holistic view of local climate conditions.
Rainfall measurements can aid in water resource management and flood prediction, while wind speed data is crucial for assessing storm potential and planning for wind energy projects.
Monitoring air quality, especially carbon dioxide levels, is vital for tracking pollution and implementing health and environmental protection measures.
Furthermore, insights into atmospheric temperature, humidity, and pressure contribute to a better understanding of local weather patterns, aiding in agriculture, urban planning, and disaster preparedness.
Solar-Powered Sustainability
The utilization of solar power for the weather station’s operation highlights a shift towards green technology.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, ensuring the station remains operational without relying on conventional power sources.
This reduces the carbon footprint associated with its operation and ensures it can be deployed in remote or off-grid locations where electrical power may be unavailable or unreliable.
The solar-powered approach enhances the station’s sustainability and aligns with broader environmental goals.
Accessibility and Versatility
Designed for ease of installation in various settings, from urban parks to rural farmlands, the weather station’s compact and self-sufficient design makes it an accessible tool for communities and local councils.
Its ability to function independently, powered by renewable energy, means it can be strategically used to gather localized data that is more relevant to specific community needs or council initiatives.
Community and Council Benefits
Access to real-time environmental data can inform daily decisions for communities, from planning outdoor activities to understanding and mitigating health risks associated with air quality.
For local councils, the data supports informed decision-making in urban planning, environmental conservation, and emergency management.
It enables the development of targeted policies to improve local environmental conditions, enhance public health, and foster a sustainable relationship with the natural environment.
Additionally, the aggregated data over time that can be collected through the Favoriot IoT platform can contribute to global environmental databases, supporting research and policy-making at broader scales.
Such a weather station can also serve as an educational tool, raising awareness about environmental issues and the importance of renewable energy.
Schools and community groups can engage with the station and analyze its data to learn about weather patterns, climate change, and sustainability practices.
This hands-on learning experience can inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, and environmental conservation, further amplifying the station’s long-term impact.
Universities or environmental researchers can also gather environmental data from multiple sites to gain deeper insights. They can collect all this data using an IoT platform such as Favoriot.
In summary, a small, solar-powered weather station offers a multifaceted approach to local environmental monitoring, combining advanced technology with sustainability and community engagement.
Its deployment can significantly benefit communities and local councils, providing valuable insights into local climate conditions, supporting informed decision-making, and fostering a culture of environmental awareness and stewardship.
There is a lot of IoT-related research from various universities.
However, many of them are either in silos or unable to share their data quickly with their collaborators. Thus, it impacts the timely delivery of the project.
What if we can make it simpler for you?
What if Favoriot could help you collect all your IoT data from various sites for in-depth analysis?
Just imagine below — that you are doing R&D work on the Malaysian climate and its impact on various industries or the citizens.
Embarking on Your Data-Driven Journey
You stand at the forefront of environmental research, where every dataset acts as a compass guiding you through the uncharted territories of climate science.
With the climate crisis upon us, your role as a researcher is more crucial than ever.
Here’s how an IoT platform like FAVORIOT becomes not just a supportive tool but a crucial ally in your quest for data.
Setting Up Your Mini Weather Stations
Use Favoriot as your Research tool.
Imagine this — a landscape peppered with your mini weather stations, each collecting vital data.
You have rainfall, wind speed, air temperature, air humidity, atmospheric temperature, and carbon dioxide levels at your fingertips.
The data collected from sensors can provide a wide range of insights, particularly in the context of weather forecasting, climate monitoring, environmental assessment, and smart city applications.
Here’s a brief overview of what each type of data can tell us:
1 — Rainfall: Measurement of precipitation can be used for water resource management, agricultural planning, flood prediction and warning systems. It’s crucial for understanding the water cycle and for managing water supplies, especially in urban and agricultural areas.
2 — Wind Speed: Wind data is essential for meteorology, navigation, aviation, and for the operation of wind farms. It helps in predicting weather patterns and is also critical for certain sports and outdoor activities.
3 — Air Temperature: This is fundamental for weather forecasting, climate study, and agricultural planning. It can influence the energy consumption patterns in buildings and affect how cities plan for heatwaves or cold snaps.
4 — Air Humidity: Humidity levels impact human comfort, health, agriculture, and preservation of materials. They are also used to predict weather changes, like fog or dew, which can impact transportation and agriculture.
5 — Atmospheric Temperature: Different from air temperature at ground level, atmospheric temperature profiles help in understanding weather patterns and climate dynamics, as well as in modeling the dispersion of pollutants.
6 — Carbon Dioxide Levels: CO2 measurements are critical for monitoring urban air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and for assessing the impact of human activities on global climate change.
Your stations are more than just instruments; they are your eyes and ears in the diverse canvas of our planet’s climate.
Creating Connections Across the Map
With FAVORIOT, you create a web of data points.
This network spans cities to rural expanses, offering you a detailed, panoramic view of the environmental data.
Your research thrives on the versatility of data from different landscapes, offering insights into urban heat islands or rural microclimates.
Collaboration: Your Research Catalyst
The true power of FAVORIOT lies in collaboration.
It becomes your virtual roundtable where you and researchers from various universities bring your expertise to bear.
The platform supports your collective pursuit, growing with every new sensor you add, every dataset you integrate.
The Pulse of Continuous Data
The relentless march of time is mirrored in your unceasing data collection.
Real-time data feeds into FAVORIOT, providing you with an up-to-the-minute heartbeat of the environment.
This immediacy means you’re always ready to act, whether it’s a question of alerting communities to impending floods or informing policymakers about air quality issues.
Delving Deeper with Machine Learning
Data, while indispensable, is raw.
It’s the analysis that breathes life into numbers.
Here, machine learning becomes our ally.
You can feed this colossal stream of IoT-collected data into sophisticated analytical models, deciphering complex patterns and gleaning predictions that would elude human analysis.
For instance, by analyzing the correlation between humidity and temperature, you can develop localized models that predict fog with unprecedented accuracy — a boon for transportation safety.
A Nationwide Network: The Power of Scale
Let’s consider an example of yout nationwide project.
You can deploy mini weather stations across the country, creating a tapestry of data points.
In one instance, our network unveiled a microclimate in a small valley that consistently trapped pollutants.
This revelation led to the local government updating its land-use strategies, thereby improving the air quality for the community.
From Data to Action: Real-World Applications
The insights gained have tangible impacts.
Agricultural regions use your drought predictions to manage water resources more effectively.
Urban planners are redesigning neighborhoods to mitigate the heat island effect, informed by our temperature data analysis.
Even the realm of public health has benefited, as your studies on air quality and temperature have led to better predictive models for allergy and asthma flare-ups.
Your Journey Forward
FAVORIOT is the wind beneath the wings of your research aspirations.
It’s a powerful testament to how technology can amplify the human intellect and a shared dedication to safeguarding our environment.
As you continue on this journey, wielding FAVORIOT as your tool, remember: you are not just collecting data.
You are shaping a future that’s informed by knowledge, driven by data, and committed to the Earth’s sustainability.
The easiest way to collect the data using Favoriot is by subscribing to the Favoriot Platform on-cloud. However, if you need complete control of your data and security, opt for the on-premise Favoriot platform.
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The Favoriot IoT platform has carved a name in the academic world, particularly among universities engaged in cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) projects.
Its widespread adoption across various academic institutions has played a pivotal role in streamlining and accelerating the development of numerous IoT initiatives, leading to remarkable outcomes documented and published in esteemed scientific journals.
At the core of Favoriot’s appeal is its ability to simplify and expedite the IoT project development process.
The platform offers a comprehensive tool suite that facilitates accessible data collection and visualization, critical IoT research, and development components.
This user-friendly interface allows researchers with limited technical expertise to efficiently manage and analyze large volumes of data generated by their IoT devices.
The versatility of the Favoriot platform is evident in the diverse range of IoT projects it has supported.
Favoriot has provided a reliable and scalable data handling and analysis backbone.
This flexibility has made it an invaluable asset in various research domains, enabling universities to push the boundaries of IoT innovation.
The success stories emerging from these projects are not just confined to the academic sphere.
The results, published in reputable journals, underscore IoT technologies’ practical implications and potential in addressing real-world challenges.
Favoriot’s role in these projects highlights the platform’s capacity to support academic research and contribute to technological advancements with tangible societal benefits.
Furthermore, the platform’s contribution to academia extends beyond facilitating research; it also serves as an educational tool.
By providing students with hands-on experience in managing and implementing IoT projects, Favoriot helps nurture the next generation of IoT professionals.
This aspect aligns with the educational objectives of universities, making Favoriot a partner in both research and academic endeavors.
Below are some publications found on the Internet (Note: Contact me or Favoriot to include your publication in this list):
5 — “Real-Time Monitoring for Smart Logistics”, Muhammad Adham Mokhtar and Aizan Ubin, Evolution in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Vol. 3 No. 2 (2022) 834-843
9 — “Internet of Things IoT Based Security System,”Deepak Garg, Ayush Pathak, Bhavika Joshi, Shraddha Dwivedi and Shreya Yadav, International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Vol. 12, Issue, 06 (A), pp. 41937–41944, June, 2021
In conclusion, the Favoriot IoT platform has emerged as a crucial enabler in academic IoT research.
Its ability to simplify complex processes, flexibility, and scalability have made it a preferred choice for universities globally.
The success of IoT projects facilitated by Favoriot, as evidenced by publications in scientific journals, attests to the platform’s efficacy and growing importance in the landscape of IoT research and education.
This is my third job after ten years in academia and 13 years in a telco company.
Reflecting on my eight-year tenure as a Research Director for Wireless Technology in a Malaysian government agency, I’ve gathered a wealth of insights distinct from my experiences at a leading telco in the country.
My journey, marked by a static role but dynamic challenges, offers a unique perspective on leadership, team management, and innovation in a research-driven environment.
The Value of Role Consistency
Contrary to the typical progression of changing roles within 3–4 years in an organization, my position remained unchanged for eight years.
This unusual stability offered a deeper understanding of my role and a continuous impact on wireless technology research.
Leadership Through Inquisitiveness
One pivotal lesson was asking the right questions, especially in management positions with limited in-depth technical knowledge.
This approach not only prepared me to handle various queries but also fostered a culture of curiosity and critical thinking within the team.
Understanding the Research and Development Dichotomy
A significant realization was the distinct nature of research and development teams.
Often more introverted, the research team focuses on individual tasks and deep-thinking processes.
In contrast, the development team thrives on collaboration, working cohesively to turn ideas into tangible products.
Appreciating these differences is crucial for effective leadership.
Tailored Performance Management
It’s essential to recognize that research and development teams require different approaches to performance management.
While the outcomes of the development team are visibly tangible, the research team’s contributions, though less apparent, are equally vital.
Both teams deserve recognition and appreciation for their unique roles.
The Art of Presenting Technology
Regular project showcases to ministers, government bodies, and international visitors taught me the essence of creating Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
These demonstrations, while sometimes rudimentary, are crucial in highlighting the potential of emerging technologies.
Mastering the Craft of Communication
Frequent presentations and the ensuing barrage of questions honed my skills in creating clear, audience-friendly PowerPoint slides.
The ability to convey complex ideas in an understandable and engaging manner is a skill as crucial as the research itself.
Conclusion
My tenure as a Research Director was a journey of constant learning and adaptation.
The unique challenges of managing a diverse, multinational R&D team and the need to bridge the gap between research and practical application have been invaluable lessons.
This experience has shaped my approach to leadership in wireless technology and offered broader insights into the dynamics of innovation and team management in the public sector.
My career journey took an exciting turn when I transitioned from a government R&D agency to the dynamic world of startups.
This switch was not just a job title change but a transformative experience that reshaped my approach to business and innovation.
The frustrations in getting our R&D efforts to become a commercial product finally became great lessons for me.
Failures don’t mean we lose everything.
Stumbling blocks don’t mean it’s too high to overcome.
Blocks can turn into stairs to achieve success in the later stages of our careers.
Here, I share insights from my time in the bureaucratic labyrinth of government research and how those experiences now fuel my entrepreneurial spirit.
The Rigidity of Government R&D and Its Impact
In government R&D, I encountered an environment dominated by strict processes and red tape.
This stringent approach, though ensuring meticulous documentation and accountability, often hindered creative thinking.
Projects moved slowly, bogged down by the need for approvals at every step.
Almost every step of the way needs to be justified.
Different people who listen to our R&D work have other ideas or critiques. You can’t please them all.
Communication Gaps and Misaligned Visions
Regular progress checks, which should have fostered collaboration, felt like rigorous cross-examinations.
These interactions highlighted a significant gap in understanding between the R&D team and upper management, undermining the essence of innovative research.
After so much effort has been put in place, a project can suddenly be “killed.” Assigning the researchers to a different project seems like a big task to start all over again.
The Misalignment of Time Horizons
R&D is inherently a long-term endeavor.
However, a persistent push for short-term gains frequently led to a shift away from groundbreaking research to more immediate, less impactful tasks.
This short-sightedness had significant repercussions on the innovation process.
Many did not understand the risk and time factors between “Research” and “Development.” Both have different horizons.
The Dilemma of Patents versus Market-Ready Products
Our team’s efforts often resulted in an impressive array of patents, yet these innovations rarely translated into commercial products.
Focusing on immediate product development in other departments meant our groundbreaking ideas often would be shelved because we needed more resources to turn those patents into products.
Isolation from the Customer’s Voice
A critical limitation was the lack of direct interaction with the end-users. This disconnect led to assumptions about customer needs that seldom aligned with market realities.
Products developed in such isolation often failed to hit the mark upon release.
The High Cost of Rigidity
When products didn’t resonate with their target audience, making changes was expensive and time-consuming, given our rigid processes.
Despite significant investment, many products failed to make a lasting impact in the market.
Transforming Challenges into Startup Strengths
These experiences, while daunting, laid a solid foundation for my approach in the startup world.
I learned the importance of flexibility in R&D, embracing practices like Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and the Lean Method.
This approach allows for swift adaptation, a focus on customer needs, and the agility to pivot as necessary.
Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash
Concluding Thoughts: Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Embrace Flexibility: Learn to adapt quickly and efficiently to changing circumstances.
Prioritize Customer Feedback: Direct interaction with customers is invaluable for product development.
Balance Long-Term Vision with Short-Term Goals: Don’t lose sight of long-term innovation while focusing on immediate tasks.
Encourage Open Communication: Bridging gaps between different teams enhances understanding and collaboration.
Convert Challenges into Opportunities: Use past experiences, even difficult ones, as learning opportunities for growth.
Innovate with Market Focus: Align research and development with market demands and customer needs.
Though filled with hurdles, my time in government R&D provided invaluable lessons that now guide my journey through the startup ecosystem.
These insights have become a beacon, steering me towards efficient, customer-centric innovation and entrepreneurial success.
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Dr. Mazlan Abbas 