15 customisable OKR examples for Research And Development Team

What are Research And Development Team OKRs?

The OKR acronym stands for Objectives and Key Results. It's a goal-setting framework that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s, and it became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s. OKRs helps teams has a shared language to set ambitious goals and track progress towards them.

Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.

We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Research And Development Team to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Building your own Research And Development Team OKRs with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own OKRs.

Our customisable Research And Development Team OKRs examples

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Research And Development Team. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs to enhance service delivery through innovation and benchmarking

  • ObjectiveEnhance service delivery through innovation and benchmarking
  • Key ResultCreate and implement 2 innovative solutions to transform existing services
  • TaskDevelop prototypes of the 2 selected solutions
  • TaskImplement and test these innovative solutions in live services
  • TaskBrainstorm new, innovative ways to enhance current services
  • Key ResultBenchmark against 5 industry leaders to identify and implement best practices
  • TaskAnalyze their best practices and methodologies
  • TaskIdentify top 5 industry leaders for benchmark comparison
  • TaskIncorporate identified best practices into our operations
  • Key ResultIncrease service delivery efficiency by 30% using new technological advancements
  • TaskInvestigate latest technology advancements in service delivery
  • TaskMonitor and evaluate tech system effectiveness regularly
  • TaskImplement new tech systems to streamline service processes

2OKRs to improve understanding of OKRs

  • ObjectiveImprove understanding of OKRs
  • Key ResultRead at least two books or articles about OKRs to deepen understanding
  • TaskResearch top books on OKRs and make a list of two to read
  • TaskSet aside dedicated time every week to read and focus on OKR materials
  • TaskDiscuss key takeaways with colleagues or mentors to enhance comprehension
  • TaskTake notes while reading to summarize main concepts and ideas
  • Key ResultAttend a training session on OKRs to gain foundational knowledge
  • TaskAttend and actively participate in the OKR training session
  • TaskPrepare a notebook or document to take notes during the training session
  • TaskResearch online for a reputable training session on OKRs
  • TaskRegister for the chosen training session on OKRs
  • Key ResultCreate and successfully implement a personal OKR to apply knowledge gained
  • Key ResultDiscuss OKRs with at least three colleagues to gather different perspectives
  • TaskEngage actively in conversations with colleagues to understand their perspectives
  • TaskTake notes during discussions to capture different insights on OKRs
  • TaskSchedule a meeting with colleagues to discuss OKRs
  • TaskPrepare a list of questions to prompt discussion on OKRs

3OKRs to evaluate ozonation's effect on biofiltration process

  • ObjectiveEvaluate ozonation's effect on biofiltration process
  • Key ResultEstablish a link between ozonation levels and biofiltration effectiveness in 75% of tests
  • TaskDevelop a standardized testing method
  • TaskConduct and analyze tests on biofiltration effectiveness
  • TaskStudy previous research on ozonation and biofiltration
  • Key ResultConduct 10 experiments to identify specific ozonation impacts on biofilter microbiomes
  • TaskDefine parameters for specific ozonation impacts
  • TaskAnalyze and record the results after ozonation
  • TaskSet up 10 different biofilter microbiome experiments
  • Key ResultPublish a comprehensive report analyzing and proposing enhancements to the ozonation-biofiltration setup
  • TaskConduct research on existing ozonation-biofiltration technologies
  • TaskAnalyze and draft improvements for current setup
  • TaskCompile and publish comprehensive final report

4OKRs to enhance understanding and application of copyright laws

  • ObjectiveEnhance understanding and application of copyright laws
  • Key ResultComplete a certified online course on copyright laws by securing at least 85%
  • TaskReview thoroughly to achieve a minimum score of 85%
  • TaskRegister for a certified online course on copyright laws
  • TaskDedicate regular study hours to comprehend course material effectively
  • Key ResultAttend 3 copyright-related webinars or workshops to deepen contextual understanding
  • TaskAttend and participate in all chosen activities
  • TaskRegister for selected webinars or workshops
  • TaskResearch and identify 3 copyright-related webinars or workshops
  • Key ResultApply learned theories by reviewing and updating 5 copyright agreements per week
  • TaskReview weekly assigned copyright agreements
  • TaskSubmit revised agreements for approval
  • TaskApply learned theories to update agreements

5OKRs to develop innovative pharmaceutical products

  • ObjectiveDevelop innovative pharmaceutical products
  • Key ResultDevelop and test 2 prototypes with satisfactory patient outcomes
  • TaskConduct patient outcome tests on prototypes
  • TaskIdentify key components for prototype based on patient needs
  • TaskBuild and refine two prototype designs
  • Key ResultConduct research to identify 3 potential active pharmaceutical ingredients
  • TaskIdentify key drugs suitable for pharmaceutical component research
  • TaskConduct thorough research on potential active ingredients
  • TaskDocument findings for each potential ingredient
  • Key ResultSecure regulatory approval for 1 new pharmaceutical product
  • TaskRespond promptly to regulatory feedback and additional information requests
  • TaskConduct rigorous clinical trials for safety and efficacy
  • TaskDevelop and submit detailed dossier to regulatory authority

6OKRs to broaden understanding of agent's role in business operations

  • ObjectiveBroaden understanding of agent's role in business operations
  • Key ResultAttend two professional seminars or webinars focused on the agent's role in the business
  • TaskRegister for two chosen professional seminars or webinars
  • TaskAttend and actively participate in these webinars
  • TaskResearch upcoming webinars focused on the agent's role in business
  • Key ResultConduct informational interviews with five business agents to gain first-hand information
  • TaskSchedule and conduct interviews with selected agents
  • TaskIdentify five business agents relevant to the project
  • TaskDraft insightful questions to ask during interviews
  • Key ResultComplete three agent case studies with cross-industry analysis by quarter-end
  • TaskIdentify three agent cases from diverse industries for study
  • TaskCompile findings and complete final report by quarter-end
  • TaskPerform a detailed cross-industry analysis on chosen case studies

7OKRs to enhance service efficiency and transformation via innovation and benchmarking

  • ObjectiveEnhance service efficiency and transformation via innovation and benchmarking
  • Key ResultBenchmark our services against 3 industry-leading competitors to identify improvement opportunities
  • TaskIdentify 3 industry-leading competitors relevant to our services
  • TaskAnalyze and benchmark our services against these competitors
  • TaskIdentify and document possible improvement opportunities
  • Key ResultIncrease service process efficiency by 25% through the use of lean techniques
  • TaskMonitor, review and adjust new processes regularly
  • TaskAnalyze and eliminate inefficiencies in current processes
  • TaskImplement lean techniques training for service process teams
  • Key ResultImplement 2 new innovative solutions that transform our services and add value
  • TaskResearch and identify two innovative solutions for services
  • TaskEvaluate and measure added value post-implementation
  • TaskDevelop implementation plans for chosen innovations

8OKRs to elevate understanding in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

  • ObjectiveElevate understanding in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
  • Key ResultComplete an advanced M&E online certification course with a final score of 85+%
  • TaskDedicate time daily for course content and study
  • TaskEnroll in an advanced M&E online certification course
  • TaskScore 85%+ on all assessments and the final exam
  • Key ResultOrganize and lead a knowledge-sharing session in M&E for colleagues
  • TaskIdentify relevant M&E topics to cover in the session
  • TaskSchedule a meeting date, time, and location
  • TaskPrepare and distribute informative materials for the session
  • Key ResultConduct two insightful case studies related to M&E methods by end of quarter
  • TaskConduct research and data collection for both case studies
  • TaskAnalyze data and write up both case studies
  • TaskIdentify relevant research topics for M&E methods case studies

9OKRs to become an expert in large language models

  • ObjectiveBecome an expert in large language models
  • Key ResultDemonstrate proficiency in implementing and fine-tuning large language models through practical projects
  • TaskContinuously update and optimize large language models based on feedback and results obtained
  • TaskComplete practical projects that showcase your proficiency in working with large language models
  • TaskCreate a large language model implementation plan and execute it efficiently
  • TaskIdentify areas of improvement in large language models and implement necessary fine-tuning
  • Key ResultComplete online courses on large language models with a score of 90% or above
  • Key ResultEngage in weekly discussions or collaborations with experts in the field of large language models
  • TaskSchedule a weekly video conference with language model experts
  • TaskDocument key insights and lessons learned from each discussion or collaboration
  • TaskShare the findings and new knowledge with the team after each engagement
  • TaskPrepare a list of discussion topics to cover during the collaborations
  • Key ResultPublish two blog posts sharing insights and lessons learned about large language models

10OKRs to enhance strategic decision-making skills

  • ObjectiveEnhance strategic decision-making skills
  • Key ResultGather and analyze feedback on decision efficiency from 5 colleagues
  • TaskCollect and analyze the returned surveys
  • TaskIdentify five colleagues to provide feedback
  • TaskDevelop and distribute an efficiency feedback survey
  • Key ResultImplement learned strategies in 3 real-life scenarios successfully
  • TaskUtilize learned strategy in first identified scenario
  • TaskIdentify 3 real-life scenarios where strategies can be applied
  • TaskDocument the success of each strategy implementation
  • Key ResultComplete a decision-making course with at least 85% score
  • TaskConsistently attend classes and complete all assignments
  • TaskRegister for a reputable decision-making course
  • TaskStudy regularly to achieve at least 85% score

11OKRs to foster and demonstrate out-of-box thinking

  • ObjectiveFoster and demonstrate out-of-box thinking
  • Key ResultConduct 2 workshops on creativity and unconventional problem-solving strategies
  • TaskAdvertise workshops to relevant audience groups
  • TaskIdentify suitable topics for creativity and problem-solving workshops
  • TaskArrange logistics such as location, materials, and guest speakers
  • Key ResultDevelop 3 unique, innovative solutions to existing business challenges
  • TaskIdentify key challenges limiting business growth
  • TaskEvaluate feasibility and uniqueness of solutions
  • TaskBrainstorm innovative solutions for each challenge
  • Key ResultSuccessfully apply an unorthodox approach to improve an underperforming process by 20%
  • TaskResearch unorthodox approaches to improvement
  • TaskImplement a new strategy, measure its impacts
  • TaskIdentify weaknesses in the current process

12OKRs to craft a compelling and successful business case

  • ObjectiveCraft a compelling and successful business case
  • Key ResultConduct detailed market and competitor analysis by end of Week 4
  • TaskAnalyze market trends and customer preferences
  • TaskGather data on competitor strategy and performance
  • TaskIdentify key competitors in the market
  • Key ResultGather and incorporate feedback from 5 industry experts by end of Week 12
  • TaskCollect and analyze received feedback
  • TaskImplement relevant feedback into operations
  • TaskIdentify and reach out to 5 industry experts for feedback
  • Key ResultDevelop a clear, attainable business case prototype by end of Week 8
  • TaskReview and finalize the prototype by end of Week 8
  • TaskAssemble these elements into a clear structure
  • TaskIdentify key elements of the business case prototype

13OKRs to enhance product-market fit by conducting customer research and implementing user feedback

  • ObjectiveImprove product-market fit by leveraging customer research and user feedback
  • Key ResultMeasure the impact of the improvements on product-market fit by tracking user metrics
  • Key ResultConduct in-depth interviews with 50 potential and existing customers
  • Key ResultImplement the top 3 product improvements within 3 weeks
  • Key ResultAnalyze user feedback and identify the top 3 product improvements

14OKRs to identify and assess new growth opportunities

  • ObjectiveIdentify and assess new growth opportunities
  • Key ResultConduct detailed feasibility studies for identified opportunities to determine viability
  • TaskEvaluate viability based on research outcomes
  • TaskIdentify opportunities for feasibility study
  • TaskPerform detailed review of business prospects
  • Key ResultResearch and pinpoint 10 potential new market areas for business expansion
  • TaskAnalyse findings to determine viability for business expansion
  • TaskIdentify sectors and industries where our business can potentially expand
  • TaskConduct detailed market research on the 10 identified areas
  • Key ResultDevelop and present 5 comprehensive business proposals for promising opportunities
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive proposals for each opportunity
  • TaskPrepare presentations for each business proposal
  • TaskIdentify 5 promising business opportunities for proposal

15OKRs to develop a compelling game that engages and captivates players

  • ObjectiveDevelop a compelling game that engages and captivates players
  • Key ResultDevelop a functional prototype of the game with polished graphics and intuitive controls
  • TaskImplement and refine intuitive controls based on user experience and usability testing
  • TaskIterate on the game design based on user feedback and playtesting results
  • TaskConduct user testing to identify any issues with the game controls
  • TaskCollaborate with an artist to create high-quality graphics for the game prototype
  • Key ResultConduct user research to identify target audience preferences and game themes
  • TaskDevelop a survey to gather user feedback on preferred game themes
  • TaskUse findings to inform game theme selection and prioritize target audience preferences
  • TaskConduct interviews with target audience members to understand their preferences
  • TaskAnalyze user research data to identify common themes and preferences
  • Key ResultConduct playtesting sessions to gather feedback and iterate on the game design
  • Key ResultCreate a detailed game design document outlining gameplay mechanics, levels, and objectives
  • TaskOutline basic gameplay mechanics that will define the core experience of the game
  • TaskCreate clear and specific objectives for each level, ensuring they align with gameplay mechanics
  • TaskDesign a series of diverse levels that challenge and engage players
  • TaskResearch popular gameplay mechanics, level design techniques, and objective structures

Research And Development Team OKR best practices to boost success

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's audit dashboard will highlight opportunities to improve OKRs

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparency

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to turn your Research And Development Team OKRs in a strategy map

OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

  • It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
  • It will highlight poorly set OKRs
  • It will surface execution risks
  • It improves transparency and accountability

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Research And Development Team OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

OKRs resources

Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the Objectives and Key Results framework.

What's next? Try Tability's goal-setting AI

You can create an iterate on your OKRs using Tability's unique goal-setting AI.

Watch the demo below, then hop on the platform for a free trial.

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