ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the internal dynamics of basic and applied research and technology in the context of research and development projects and new product development processes. Praxiological concepts referring to design activities are translated into the categories of knowledge management. Trying to elucidate what "knowledge work" means, Peter Drucker once said that knowledge workers "apply theoretical and analytical knowledge for the purpose of new product and service development". It is assumed that praxiology, as a discipline dedicated to studies of practicality, still provides the basis for research focused on knowledge-management processes employed in research and development projects as well as in new product development activities. Knowledge capable of providing explanations and predictions may be referred to as the "know-why". From the point of view of design methodology, one may conclude that the practical application of knowledge and the utilization of practical directives may result in the recurrent modification and reconsideration of theoretical foundations of technology, for instance, of non-pragmatic sentences.
