Serendipity in research and development

The promise of putting into place patterns for paying attention

Short survey (2023)

Authors

David C. Thompson Chemical Computing Group
S.M. Copeland Ethics & Philosophy of Technology - TPM
Research Group
Ethics & Philosophy of Technology (TPM) (TU Delft)
Innovation Research and development Serendipity Accidental discovery Organizational theory
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Published Date

2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Values Technology and Innovation

Research Group

Ethics & Philosophy of Technology

Abstract

The concept of serendipity or accidental discovery is typically discussed in the context of organizational research and development (RnD) through narratives involving ‘renegade iconoclasts’ laboring at the periphery. Recently, robust academic literature has emerged that grounds serendipity epistemologically. In the current work, this literature is introduced in the context of the typical activities of contemporary life science-focused RnD organizations. Practical patterns are described that can increase the likelihood of realizing accidental (serendipitous) RnD discoveries.