Aligning and Prioritizing Corporate R&D

Abstract

OVERVIEW:Providing Weyerhaeuser with strategic options for dealing with fundamental change within the forest products industry is a critical role for Weyerhaeuser R&D. Business success in general is increasingly tied to the development and implementation of the right technology. For Weyerhaeuser, that includes technology that is well aligned with the needs of its core businesses over the long term. Key elements of a well-aligned technology program process are an effective technology intelligence effort, combined with knowledge of future customer needs, strong business participation to define their technology needs, engagement of businesses in developing the needed research program, and a commercial development process that brings valuable new products to market quickly. Weyerhaeuser has developed a program planning and prioritization process that focuses on providing the necessary competencies and products to meet business strategic needs.