Every company has its own specific combination of workplace requirements but those in the research and development (R&D) sector tend to have more rigid prerequisites than most.
It’s not just about housing high-tech equipment or even hazardous materials, it’s also about creating workplaces which can allow firms conducting R&D in fields from engineering to biopharma to respond quickly to major evolving trends.
With technology driven change in strategy and process, today’s scientific workplaces need to be able to adapt whether it’s shorter cycle times from concept to creation or rapid prototyping using innovations such as 3D printing or automation.
And most importantly, successful R&D companies need access to talent with highly specialized skill sets.
“Traditionally, workplace strategies for the R&D sector have focused heavily on health and safety parameters, minimizing disruption to lab environments and optimizing planning for capital intensive research or lab resources,” says Sandy Craik, Vice President, Tenant Representation Group, JLL Canada. “A more holistic approach to the workplace can help these organizations respond better to the trends influencing their business – where they locate, how their space is designed and how they manage organizational change.”