Serendipity in research and development: The promise of putting into place patterns for paying attention

Abstract

The concept of serendipity or accidental discovery is typically discussed in the context of organizational research and development (RnD) through narratives involving 'renegade iconoclasts' laboring at the periphery. Recently, robust academic literature has emerged that grounds serendipity epistemologically. In the current work, this literature is introduced in the context of the typical activities of contemporary life science-focused RnD organization. Practical patterns are described that can increase the likelihood of realizing accidental (serendipitous) RnD discoveries.