R&D Optimisation

R&D departments are increasingly identifying AI use cases, yet a clear strategic and economic assessment is often lacking. Without transparent business cases, investment decisions remain vague and potential gains in efficiency and resource utilisation go untapped.

More focus, less experimentation: AI potential clearly quantified

Our solution focuses on identifying and evaluating AI use cases within R&D departments. We support you in prioritising AI application areas based on measurable business impacts and lay the groundwork for managing investments in a targeted, value-oriented and scalable manner.

• Analysis of R&D cost, resource and value drivers throughout the product development process
• Identification of relevant AI use cases with a focus on efficiency, cost and lead time potential
• Evaluation of use cases (business impact, ROI, investment requirements, scalability)
• Prioritisation based on economic viability, feasibility and organisational readiness
• Transparent decision-making frameworks for management and investment committees
• Development of an economically sound AI roadmap for R&D, taking the system landscape into account
• Integration with existing performance, KPI and governance structures

The approach addresses key R&D functions such as portfolio, budget and resource management, development controlling, and cost and efficiency analyses. These functions are particularly relevant in the face of rising investment and innovation requirements.

Companies gain transparency over their AI investments in the R&D sector. Decisions are fact-based, risks are reduced, and AI initiatives are specifically aligned with measurable business value.

Increasing regulatory requirements for products and their development must be identified at an early stage and in a holistic manner, and systematically embedded within the product development process. This is the only way to effectively incorporate sustainability and strengthen product resilience in the long term.

Sustainability meets R&D – Sustainability as a value driver

Our structured, comprehensive approach combines business perspectives with technical engineering expertise to seamlessly integrate sustainability requirements into the product development process. At the product function level, we systematically analyse the economic and innovative potential to enable measures to be assessed objectively and on a sound economic and technical basis – always taking current and future regulatory requirements into account.

Product resilience analysis: A concise quick-view analysis of the status quo to determine the level of sustainability and resilience maturity in technical development. Focus on the product and portfolio level, taking into account relevant regulations and circular performance aspects.

Functional screening: In-depth analysis of product groups and components at the functional level. Application of Sustainable Function Deployment (SFD) to identify efficiency, value driver and performance potential, as well as initial starting points for increasing value creation.

Sustainable Innovation (or: Cost Efficiency): Structured evaluation of innovation measures in development from a target costing perspective (development, modification and penalty costs). Strengthening product resilience through targeted sustainable thinking workshops.

Integration: Process-oriented embedding of the approach across relevant milestones in the individual product development process, as well as the implementation of transparent control and monitoring tools to track compliance and sustainability progress.

Relevant for companies facing high regulatory requirements and growing complexity at the product level – from SMEs and the automotive industry to high-tech companies. 

Companies gain a robust basis for decision-making, avoid costly product compliance breaches and secure their product resilience with a forward-looking approach. At the same time, the approach enhances cost efficiency, productivity, innovation capacity and holistic sustainability across the entire R&D department.

Renewables

Complex regulations and new stakeholder requirements demand a reduction in fossil fuels – both in the product itself and during its usage phase. A technology-neutral approach incorporating biogenic and synthetic alternatives (renewables) is therefore essential to enable truly measurable CO2 reductions. 

Sustainable Renewable Energy Integration 

Our approach combines regulatory requirements and business perspectives with technical engineering expertise. The focus is on the integration of biogenic (advanced biofuels) and synthetic energy sources (RFNBOs, H₂, eFuels) into products and their usage phases. The aim is the targeted reduction of the CO₂ impact across various value chains.

We support companies throughout the entire renewables value chain – from development and integration to the effective use of renewable energy sources. In doing so, we consistently consider renewables from three perspectives:

• Developer
• Integrator
• Enabler

Our consultancy services across the various dimensions of the renewables value chain include the following:

• Market and impact analyses, including simulation models for CO₂ impact and GHG reduction potential
• Impact assessment focusing on CO2, cost and regulatory effects
• Holistic project development and support, including technology and project scouting
• Renewables sourcing for RFNBO producers and consumers
• Life-cycle assessment in accordance with relevant standards, including product carbon footprint and certification support in accordance with ISCC+ RFNBO
• Development of sustainable product and portfolio strategies
• Marketing and sales concepts
• Assessment of the eligibility of renewable energy sources for developers, integrators and enablers

Drawing on our many years of expertise, we support the efficient use of renewable energy sources with a clear focus on cost-effectiveness and CO2 reduction across the entire value chain. 

The module is relevant for companies that manufacture fossil-based products, use fossil-based precursors, or whose operations rely on fossil fuels. This includes applications in mobility and heating, as well as chemical and medical technology, where fossil-based materials form the core of the products.

We provide a clear basis for decision-making regarding the strategic use of synthetic and renewable energy sources and quantify the realistic CO₂ savings potential for your company. In addition, we assess global market and application potential – with a focus on mobility, chemicals and medical technology – and highlight where renewables offer the greatest economic and technological benefits.

Many companies struggle with rising project costs, delays and quality risks because requirements are unclear, dynamic or inadequately documented. Professional requirements management reduces these inefficiencies in the long term.

Structured requirements – fewer errors in the system

Our solution embeds robust requirements management into R&D programmes. We standardise methods, tools and data flows and integrate AI interfaces. In doing so, we enhance traceability, reduce rework and stabilise decision-making processes across the entire value chain. 

Our service portfolio includes:

• Analysis of the maturity level in requirements management (processes, tools, roles, governance)
• Identification of gaps in identification, documentation, validation, traceability and management
• Derivation of tailored measures in accordance with IREB standards
• Integration of RM software solutions from our Allianz ecosystem
• AI-supported quality checks, gap detection and impact analyses
• Establishment of a scalable, secure data and tool architecture
• Pilot projects, KPI tracking & continuous process optimisation
• Training and empowerment of employees for sustainable embedding in line with the International Requirements Engineering Board

Our solution supports R&D departments in clarifying complex technical requirements at an early stage and reducing development risks. It is particularly suitable for situations involving high pressure to innovate, tight timelines and changing stakeholder requirements.

Customers benefit from lower project and change costs, higher quality, faster time-to-market and resilient processes. Clear requirements, AI-supported workflows and integrated tools lead to a noticeable increase in efficiency.

R&D departments are increasingly losing critical knowledge, whilst at the same time needing to build new skills to cope with AI and technological change. Bottlenecks arise before they become apparent – with a direct impact on productivity, project delivery and innovation.

Data-Driven Workforce Optimisation – Keeping R&D in Balance

Our data-driven workforce optimisation combines skills, knowledge, portfolio and strategy into an integrated management model. Bottlenecks, knowledge risks and future requirements are identified at an early stage, decisions are made objectively, and innovation and project capability are secured for the long term.

• Structural analysis: Transparency regarding roles, skills, capacities and knowledge risks – including external and self-assessment as well as competency ratings
• Portfolio Fit: Evaluation and prioritisation of the R&D portfolio based on strategic value, risk, skills fit and resource allocation
• Future Requirements: Derivation of future critical competencies from corporate, product and HR strategy
• Bottleneck Analysis: Systematic identification of skills, capacity and knowledge bottlenecks
• Action Roadmap: Concrete steps regarding roles, upskilling, reallocation, recruitment and AI integration.
• Manageability: KPI system for the continuous measurement of competence development, risk trends and project capability

Ideal for companies that need to safeguard their R&D performance despite growing complexity – from high-tech and automotive to medtech. It is particularly effective in addressing skill shifts, waves of retirement, knowledge loss and portfolio refocusing.

Companies gain a clear basis for decision-making, avoid costly bottlenecks and safeguard critical knowledge. Productivity increases, innovation capacity is stabilised, and R&D becomes manageable, resilient and strategically aligned.

R&D departments are losing critical knowledge because experts have built up tacit knowledge over decades that is scarcely documented. Due to a shortage of skilled workers, there is a lack of necessary handover periods, and knowledge transfer is stalling. 

Knowledge management – systematically preserving critical know-how

Our approach consolidates data from HR, projects and knowledge sources, makes knowledge risks transparent (e.g. retirement, key technologies) and translates insights into prioritised measures – such as AI-supported knowledge preservation.

• Knowledge map: Recording of roles, skills, domains of expertise and responsibilities, including self-assessment and peer assessment, ratings and evidence (artifacts/contributions).
• Knowledge risk heatmap: Assessment of staff turnover/retirement risk, single points of failure, critical systems/methods, and compliance relevance.
• Succession planning: Systematic preservation of tacit knowledge (AI offboarding & onboarding)
• Future requirements: Planning of compatible knowledge repositories for agent-based AI systems

Suitable for R&D departments facing high complexity, technological shifts or regulatory pressure (e.g. automotive, high-tech, medtech). Particularly effective during waves of retirements, reorganisations and portfolio refocusing, when knowledge holders are in short supply.

Clients identify knowledge risks early, prioritise measures objectively and avoid delays. Critical know-how is systematically secured, teams are relieved of pressure and R&D delivery capability remains measurable and resilient.

New business models and shorter product life cycles are increasing the pressure to innovate in virtually all areas of business. At the same time, implementing technological and organisational developments entails financial costs. Government grants – particularly the research allowance – provide financial support for innovative developments.

Government grants as a driving force for innovative leadership

We support companies throughout the entire lifecycle of a funding initiative: from identifying suitable investments and analysing eligible R&D projects to applying for the research allowance retrospectively.   

• Analysis of planned investment measures to prepare potential funding applications
• Analysis of ongoing or completed R&D projects regarding their eligibility for the research allowance
• Ongoing monitoring of new funding calls and assessment of their relevance to your specific needs
• Support with application preparation and drafting
• Raising organisational awareness for the early identification of funding opportunities
• Support with process management and/or empowering staff to manage the necessary application procedures
• Support with the use of funds and the establishment of suitable end-to-end processes for the administration of approved funding
• Our consultancy supports R&D departments in the structured selection of eligible topics, the professional preparation of applications and the correct documentation of development activities. This systematic approach enables teams to maintain an overview of requirements, deadlines and evidence relevant to funding.

Companies benefit from the identification of eligible topics, successful funding acquisition and reliable documentation of approved funds. 

With our many years of experience and numerous successful projects, we ensure that funding potential can be utilised fully and in compliance with legal requirements.