Technical-scientific research (TWO)

Definition

Technical-scientific research (TWO) is, alongside the development of technically new products, production processes or software, the second main category of work that qualifies for the WBSO. Where development projects revolve around building something new, TWO is about explanatory research: you try to understand a technical phenomenon or mechanism, aiming to acquire new technical knowledge, with an outcome that is uncertain in advance. That research doesn't have to lead directly to an applicable product — the point is the increase in knowledge itself. TWO is common in sectors where deep technical understanding is a precondition for later product development, such as biotech and life sciences, for instance research into a mechanism of action. Because TWO is less tangible than a development project, RVO's application requires an explicit description of the research design: which research question you're posing, how you approach it, and why the outcome is uncertain. An application combining TWO and development work — for example first researching a mechanism of action, then developing a product based on it — is entirely possible within a single WBSO application. The distinction from software and product development is therefore mainly methodological: TWO explains, development builds.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as technical-scientific research (TWO)?

TWO is explanatory research of a technical nature, aimed at acquiring new technical knowledge, with an outcome that is uncertain in advance.

What's the difference between TWO and a development project under the WBSO?

A development project is about building a technically new product, process or piece of software, while TWO is about understanding a technical phenomenon or mechanism, without necessarily leading directly to an applicable product.

Can you combine TWO and development work in one WBSO application?

Yes, many applications combine both, for example first researching a mechanism of action and then developing a product based on that research.