Systems of Execution (SoE) for Knowledge Retention and Reuse in the R&D Function

Enterprise R&D functions generate vast volumes of data and insights, yet much of this knowledge is lost or underutilized due to fragmented systems, undocumented insights, and employee turnover. Traditional systems, such as Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) and collaboration platforms, are inherently passive. They archive information but do not support its reuse or inform real-time decision-making.

The challenge is not merely storing knowledge but enabling it to be dynamically accessed and applied at the point of need. This is where Systems of Execution (SoE) come into play. SoE are intelligent, integrated platforms that combine structured and unstructured data, apply AI to understand context, and autonomously execute decisions within scientific workflows.

Fueled by agentic AI, SoE act as real-time knowledge orchestrators, detecting patterns, interpreting context, selecting tools, and initiating actions to accelerate experimentation and innovation. Rather than revisiting old errors or revalidating known findings, R&D teams can now leverage institutional knowledge seamlessly. This Viewpoint explores SoE’s transformative impact in R&D and the organizational readiness needed to harness their full potential.