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10 OKR examples for Research And Development

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What are Research And Development OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.

We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Research And Development to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

The best tools for writing perfect Research And Development OKRs

Here are 2 tools that can help you draft your OKRs in no time.

Tability AI: to generate OKRs based on a prompt

Tability AI allows you to describe your goals in a prompt, and generate a fully editable OKR template in seconds.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Tability Feedback: to improve existing OKRs

You can use Tability's AI feedback to improve your OKRs if you already have existing goals.

AI feedback for OKRs in Tability

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

Research And Development OKRs examples

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Research And Development. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to establish lead and supporting themes for research development strategy

  • ObjectiveEstablish lead and supporting themes for research development strategy
  • KRImplement lead and support themes into our strategy securing 3 signed-off approvals
  • TaskIdentify potential lead and support themes for our strategy
  • TaskSecure three approvals for the revised strategy
  • TaskIntegrate selected themes into our existing business plan
  • KRDevelop supporting theme by analyzing 10 successfully implemented research strategies
  • TaskAnalyze each research strategy for common themes
  • TaskDevelop an overarching supporting theme from analysis
  • TaskIdentify 10 successful research strategies from various sources
  • KRIdentify and confirm lead theme by collaborating with 5 industry experts
  • TaskConfirm the lead theme through expert consensus
  • TaskSchedule and conduct interviews with 5 industry experts
  • TaskCompare, analyse, and identify consistent theme in their responses

OKRs to promulgate pioneering perspectives on essential technological sectors

  • ObjectivePromulgate pioneering perspectives on essential technological sectors
  • KRSecure 5 external speaking engagements to present our technology views
  • TaskIdentify relevant tech conferences and summits for speaking opportunities
  • TaskDraft compelling presentation proposals highlighting our technology views
  • TaskSubmit proposals and follow up for confirmation
  • KRAttend and contribute to 10 industry leading tech forums or conferences
  • TaskRegister and participate actively in the chosen events
  • TaskPrepare insightful topics or questions for each event
  • TaskIdentify 10 leading tech forums or conferences to attend
  • KRProduce 15 detailed white papers on key technology areas
  • TaskIdentify and select 15 key technology areas for research
  • TaskAllocate resources for intensive research and writing
  • TaskEdit, review, and finalize each white paper

OKRs to accelerate and enhance pharmaceutical R&D processes

  • ObjectiveAccelerate and enhance pharmaceutical R&D processes
  • KRStreamline R&D decision-making process by reducing unnecessary stages by 25%
  • TaskImplement the new streamlined process
  • TaskDevelop a simplified decision-making workflow
  • TaskIdentify redundant stages in the current R&D process
  • KRIncrease the number of successful drug trials by 20%
  • TaskEnhance the selection process for trial participants
  • TaskInvest in more advanced research equipment and techniques
  • TaskProvide additional training for research staff
  • KRReduce research inefficiencies by implementing 2 new automation technologies
  • TaskIdentify 2 promising automation technologies for research processes
  • TaskTrain research staff on utilizing the new technologies efficiently
  • TaskInstall and integrate the selected automation technologies

OKRs to develop innovative pharmaceutical products

  • ObjectiveDevelop innovative pharmaceutical products
  • KRDevelop and test 2 prototypes with satisfactory patient outcomes
  • TaskConduct patient outcome tests on prototypes
  • TaskIdentify key components for prototype based on patient needs
  • TaskBuild and refine two prototype designs
  • KRConduct research to identify 3 potential active pharmaceutical ingredients
  • TaskIdentify key drugs suitable for pharmaceutical component research
  • TaskConduct thorough research on potential active ingredients
  • TaskDocument findings for each potential ingredient
  • KRSecure regulatory approval for 1 new pharmaceutical product
  • TaskRespond promptly to regulatory feedback and additional information requests
  • TaskConduct rigorous clinical trials for safety and efficacy
  • TaskDevelop and submit detailed dossier to regulatory authority

OKRs to elevate recycling and waste collection performance

  • ObjectiveElevate recycling and waste collection performance
  • KRDevelop 5 strategic partnerships for facilitating recycling programs
  • TaskIdentify potential partners active in supporting recycling initiatives
  • TaskInitiate meetings to negotiate and finalize partnerships
  • TaskDraft a partnership proposal detailing mutual benefits
  • KRConduct 10 comprehensive studies to identify recycling advancements
  • TaskIdentify specific areas for studying recycling advancements
  • TaskBegin conducting the comprehensive studies
  • TaskAllocate resources and experts for each study
  • KRIncrease service efficiency by 30% through technological improvements
  • TaskIdentify where technology can boost service procedures
  • TaskContinuously monitor and adjust tech enhancements
  • TaskImplement relevant software upgrades and automation

OKRs to enhance service delivery through innovation and benchmarking

  • ObjectiveEnhance service delivery through innovation and benchmarking
  • KRCreate and implement 2 innovative solutions to transform existing services
  • TaskDevelop prototypes of the 2 selected solutions
  • TaskImplement and test these innovative solutions in live services
  • TaskBrainstorm new, innovative ways to enhance current services
  • KRBenchmark against 5 industry leaders to identify and implement best practices
  • TaskAnalyze their best practices and methodologies
  • TaskIdentify top 5 industry leaders for benchmark comparison
  • TaskIncorporate identified best practices into our operations
  • KRIncrease service delivery efficiency by 30% using new technological advancements
  • TaskInvestigate latest technology advancements in service delivery
  • TaskMonitor and evaluate tech system effectiveness regularly
  • TaskImplement new tech systems to streamline service processes

OKRs to amplify growth and stimulate innovation

  • ObjectiveAmplify growth and stimulate innovation
  • KRIncrease net revenue by 15%
  • TaskImprove sales strategies to attract more customers
  • TaskImplement cost-saving measures across all departments
  • TaskIntroduce new, higher-margin products or services
  • KRObtain 5 patents for new processes or technology
  • TaskPrepare detailed patent application documentation
  • TaskResearch and develop new technological processes or advancements
  • TaskSubmit applications to patent office
  • KRLaunch 2 new innovative products
  • TaskInitiate design and production processes for new products
  • TaskDevelop unique concepts for two innovative products
  • TaskFormulate marketing strategies for product launch

OKRs to enhance understanding and application of copyright laws

  • ObjectiveEnhance understanding and application of copyright laws
  • KRComplete a certified online course on copyright laws by securing at least 85%
  • TaskReview thoroughly to achieve a minimum score of 85%
  • TaskRegister for a certified online course on copyright laws
  • TaskDedicate regular study hours to comprehend course material effectively
  • KRAttend 3 copyright-related webinars or workshops to deepen contextual understanding
  • TaskAttend and participate in all chosen activities
  • TaskRegister for selected webinars or workshops
  • TaskResearch and identify 3 copyright-related webinars or workshops
  • KRApply learned theories by reviewing and updating 5 copyright agreements per week
  • TaskReview weekly assigned copyright agreements
  • TaskSubmit revised agreements for approval
  • TaskApply learned theories to update agreements

OKRs to drive business expansion through innovative strategies

  • ObjectiveDrive business expansion through innovative strategies
  • KRSecure two strategic partnerships for innovation collaboration
  • TaskReach out initiating discussions for collaboration
  • TaskNegotiate and finalize partnership agreements
  • TaskIdentify potential partners aligned with our innovation goals
  • KRIncrease innovation portfolio returns by at least 20%
  • TaskExpand business partnerships for diverse insights
  • TaskInvest in research and employee training programs
  • TaskImplement new technologies to optimize processes
  • KRDevelop and initiate 3 new high-impact innovative projects
  • TaskFormulate project plans detailing the execution strategy
  • TaskInitiate the projects by gathering necessary resources
  • TaskIdentify potential areas for high-impact innovative projects

OKRs to improve business acumen through literature

  • ObjectiveImprove business acumen through literature
  • KRWrite a succinct summary after each read to cement learning
  • TaskImmediately after reading, jot down key points from the material
  • TaskCreate a concise summary using the jotted points
  • TaskReview your summary to ensure it's accurate
  • KRConsume 20 industry-specific articles weekly
  • TaskLocate and bookmark 20 industry-related articles each week
  • TaskSummarize key insights gleaned from each article
  • TaskDevote daily time to read four articles
  • KRRead at least 3 business-related books completely
  • TaskSelect three business-related books to read
  • TaskFinish reading all three books
  • TaskSchedule regular time slots to focus on reading

Research And Development OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

Save hours with automated Research And Development OKR dashboards

AI feedback for OKRs in Tability

Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

We recommend using a spreadsheet for your first OKRs cycle. You'll need to get familiar with the scoring and tracking first. Then, you can scale your OKRs process by using Tability to save time with automated OKR dashboards, data connectors, and actionable insights.

How to get Tability dashboards:

That's it! Tability will instantly get access to 10+ dashboards to monitor progress, visualise trends, and identify risks early.

More Research And Development OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

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