<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (August 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Research and development (R&D, R + D, or R'n'D), also known in Europe as research and technological development (RTD), refers to innovative activities undertaken by corporations or governments in developing new services or products, or improving existing services or products . Research and development constitutes the first stage of development of a potential new service or the production process . </P> <P> R&D activities differ from institution to institution, with two primary models of an R&D department either staffed by engineers and tasked with directly developing new products, or staffed with industrial scientists and tasked with applied research in scientific or technological fields, which may facilitate future product development . R&D differs from the vast majority of corporate activities in that it is not intended to yield immediate profit, and generally carries greater risk and an uncertain return on investment . However R&D is crucial for acquiring larger shares of the market through the marketisation of new products . </P> <P> New product design and development is more often than not a crucial factor in the survival of a company . In a global industrial landscape that is changing fast, firms must continually revise their design and range of products . This is necessary as well due to the fierce competition and the evolving preferences of consumers . Without an R&D program, a firm must rely on strategic alliances, acquisitions, and networks to tap into the innovations of others . </P>

What is meant by r & d engineer