R & D performance measurement: more than choosing a set of metrics

In this article the results are presented of an empirical study focusing on the effectiveness of R&D performance measurement practices in the Netherla nds. First, a theoretical examination of the subject 'R&D performance measu rement' is given within the context of performance control. A distinction i s made between feedback and feed forward control and between the R&D functi on and the R&D organisation. Subsequently, a description is given of the cu rrent practices of R&D performance measurement in terms of measurement purp oses, metrics, measurement techniques, norms setting, etc. Furthermore, the influence of contingencies on measurement system design is explored. The d ata for this research were gathered by means of a survey and nine in-depth interviews. Generally, managers evaluate their measurement systems as being quite valuable, having a positive impact on performance. The findings desc ribed in this paper can be used as references for managers to benchmark the ir R&D measurement procedures: in this respect we distinguish highly and ha rdly effective measurement procedures. The most important characteristic th at seems to distinguish the most effective systems from the less effective ones is customer focus.