# 5. R\&D Practices

*In this chapter, we present twelve core practices that drive our R\&D work forward. These practices are the essential "jobs to be done" – the concrete activities that enable us to navigate uncertainty, create positive change, and make big steps forward in sustainable development.*

![Figure 15: R\&D Practices](/files/3b80d0f691cd26cf8c3e9455f44ce543947da735)

As discussed in [Chapter 2](/undp-accelerator-labs/understanding-r-and-d/2.-the-fundamentals-of-collective-r-and-d.md), the nature of our R\&D cycles is non-linear and dynamic. For this reason, these practices are employed flexibly in different configurations rather than following a specific sequential order, as illustrated in the R\&D journeys in [Chapter 4](/undp-accelerator-labs/doing-r-and-d/4.-r-and-d-journeys.md).

Each practice description includes:

* An introduction explaining what it is and why it matters for R\&D
* Critical activities that help make big steps forward
* Reflection questions to deepen understanding and guide action
* Methods and technologies that support the practice
* Vignettes: two or three stories from our network that illustrate what the practice looks like in action

These practice descriptions can be used in several ways: to reflect on current R\&D journeys and identify gaps or opportunities to amplify the work, to conduct retrospective reviews at the end of an R\&D journey and capture learnings, or to plan ahead by selecting practices that address specific learning questions or information needs and identifying necessary resources and partnerships.


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