`Application-Specific Research': A New Concept Representing `Mode-Conversion' from `Research' Mode to `Development' Mode

Business realization of a new basic technology requires a set of technologies consisting of every necessary complimentary technology in addition to the original basic technology. This leads us to a concept of "application-specific research", which is the research activity including further elaboration of the basic technology but also development of every necessary complimentary technology in order to realize a specified application. Application-specific research can be regarded the mode-conversion stage from "Research" mode to "Development" mode in an R&D process. Application-specific research is also assigned to the stage 2 (Business case) in the stage-gate process. By assigning so, the roles of the stage 2 and the gate 3 (Decision on business case) will be much more clearly understood. "The Valley of Death" should be understood not as the gap between basic research and business, but as the mode-conversion stage connecting them.