NACE-BEL 72—Scientific research and development

Where 72 sits

1. N Professional, scientific and technical activities
2. 72 Scientific research and development

Contains 2 narrower codes

• 72.1 Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
• 72.2 Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities

What 72 includes

• This division includes three types of research and development activities: (1) experimental or theoretical research conducted primarily to acquire new knowledge about the fundamentals of observable phenomena and facts, without regard to any particular application or use; (2) applied research: original research undertaken to acquire new knowledge and directed primarily toward a specific practical purpose or objective; (3) experimental development: systematic activity based on knowledge derived from research and/or practical experience and aimed at producing new materials, products, and devices, developing new processes, systems, and services, and improving existing ones.
• In this division, experimental research and development activities should not be considered auxiliary activities. They are divided into two categories: natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities.
• This division also includes: - the development and production of prototypes primarily for the purpose of making further improvements, whether or not these are related to production

What 72 excludes

• Market research and surveys, see 73.20

72 in other systems