VISTA's specialized areas of practice reflect a system-level, evidence-based approach to R&D and innovation management that captures the social and economic dimensions of putting research into action.  We routinely address the following questions:

R&D prioritizing and positioning

What are the potential scientific, technological, market and social outcomes of the proposed R&D?

What access can we gain to science and technology intelligence?

How can we strengthen our R&D funding proposals?

Are there R&D collaborations that we can initiate?

How can our proposed R&D be positioned for downstream innovation opportunities?

How can R&D funding decisions be better informed?

technology transfer and commercialization

How can we position new technologies and products in the market for maximum uptake?

What is the commercial potential, market and technical risk of the new technology/product?

What will attract commercialization partners?

Who are potential commercialization partners?

What realistic market commercialization strategies need to be developed?

Should our IP be protected and commercialized?

What is the value of this technology?

Informing and enhancing policy decisions

What criteria exist to evaluate economic, social and policy impacts of R&D and innovation policies and programs?

What models are there that can help prioritize and position R&D and innovation policies, programs and strategies

How can the results of our research inform policy?

What research evidence is available to influence policy debates and choices?

Informing and enhancing practice and service

How can the results of our research be mobilized for use in practice and service?

What research is available to inform and improve our practices?

What are best practices?