How public funding affects complexity in R&D projects. An analysis of team project perceptions

TL;DR

This study investigates how public co-funding influences perceived complexity in R&D projects, revealing initial increases due to new procedural requirements and subsequent decreases after project completion.

Contribution

It provides qualitative insights into the evolving perceptions of complexity in SME-led R&D projects under public funding constraints.

Findings

Perceived complexity increased during co-funded phases due to procedural tensions.

New procedures were developed to meet co-financing requirements.

Perceived complexity decreased after project completion.

Abstract

In this paper, we apply a case study approach to advance current understanding of what effects public co-funding of R&D projects have on project team members' perceived complexity. We chose an R&D project carried out by an industrial SME in northern Spain. The chosen research strategy was a qualitative approach, and sixteen employees participated in the project. We held in-depth semi-structured interviews at the beginning and end of the co-funded part of the project. NVivo data analysis software was used for qualitative data analysis. Results showed a substantial increase in perceived complexity. We observed that this was due to unresolved tension between the requirements of the project's co-financing entity and normal SME working procedures. New working procedures needed to be developed in order to comply with the co-financing entity's requirements. However, overall perceived complexity significantly decreased once the co-financed part of the project was completed.