In order to develop a R&D strategy, a R&D organization first must make sure that certain conditions are in place. There are seven prerequisites for developing a R&D strategy:

1. A belief that a R&D strategy can solve problems
2. Creation of a planning staff within a large R&D department or the establishment of a strong commitment by the R & D line managers in a small R &D organisation to devote enough effort to doing R&D strategic planning
3. A method of linking R&D strategic planning to R&D operations
4. A mode of getting strategic marketing done
5. The active support from senior management
6. Prior efforts to develop a R&D strategy
7. A series of substantial and solid efforts that produce tangible results on their own, but allow R&D people to get better at R&D strategic planning