Main Challenges of a Research, Development and Innovation Project in the Academic Sector

Innovation, and within it research and development, is the engine of progress and sustainability in today's world. The academic sector is a key cornerstone of this activity. This publication addresses the challenges and strengths of innovation projects and project management, particularly in the context of the academic sector. It analyses the concept of innovation, the characteristics of R&D activities and distinguishes between innovation and R&D. It presents the generations of innovation models and the characteristics and challenges of innovation projects, such as the management of technological uncertainty, financing difficulties and the application of project management methodology. It points out that the success of innovation projects depends to a large extent on the choice of an appropriate project management approach that takes into account the non-linear nature of innovation and allows for adaptation to the different project contexts.