Quality assurance in research and development: an insoluble dilemma?

The implementation of quality elements in research and development is a hot issue, still under discussion and development. In recent years much progress has been made in the development of effective proposals. However there are still problems and misunderstandings on how to apply quality assurance in research and development. This work clarifies these issues, mainly caused by the application of formal standards for quality assurance in R&D. It lists reasons for, and demonstrates benefits of, implementing quality elements in R&D and then offers detailed suggestions for addressing the most important issues without hampering the flexibility and creativity of R&D.