| SOURCE | (R&D) Research and experimental development | Basic Research | Applied Research | Experimental Development |
| Frascati Manual, 2015 Chapter 2.: 44 R&D covers three types of activity: basic research, applied research and experimental development | Comprise creative and systematic work undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge— including knowledge of humankind, culture and society—and to devise new applications of available knowledge. | Is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view. | Is original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific, practical aim or objective. | Is systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience and producing additional knowledge, which is directed to producing new products or processes or to improving existing products or processes. |
| Scientific and Technological Activities (STA) | A. Scientific Research and Experimental Development (R&D) Defined as all creative and systematic activity undertaken to increase scientific and technical knowledge as well as to develop new applications. | A1. Fundamental Science Research undertaken primarily for the advancement of scientific knowledge, without a specific practical application in view. | A2. Applied Research The same, but with a specific practical aim in view. | A3. Experimental Development The use of the results of fundamental and applied research directed to the introduction of useful materials, devices, products, systems, and processes, or the improvement of existing ones. |