Strategic and applied research (SAAR) - intelligence defined, optimised for service, and grounded in time-tested practice areas to enable effective decision-making and leadership.

SAAR Defined

  • The R&D Frame

    Research and experimental development - R&D - channels research in a structured, iterative process to transform information into refined and innovative solutions.

    There are three complementary types of R&D. Basic research searches for the theoretical foundations and factual bases necessary to understand broad, general issues. Applied research extends this, identifying and using evidence for the purpose of improving or innovating products and processes. Experimental development prototypes tools, methodologies, and models and develops new insights in the process.

    The R&D frame structures knowledge production in layers of rigorous and purpose-driven research and analysis.

  • The Intelligence Base

    The intelligence base is a well-established way of appreciating and working with information. It consists of a deep reservoir of complementary and overlapping approaches, methods, techniques, tools, subject matter and expertise.

    At its core, the base enables a systematic cycle focused on access to information, elucidating meaning, and effectively communicating results. To put it another way: it works with evidence in a series of planning, collection, analysis, and communication practices that ensures the right information is in the right hands at the right time.

    The result is a foundation and feedback loop that continuously enriches research with new depth and relevance.

  • SAAR Outcomes

    Taken together, the R&D frame and the intelligence base enable strategic and applied research outcomes — insights, strategies, and innovations that empower decision-makers to navigate complexity and uncertainty with confidence.

    SAAR delivers the clarity and precision needed to address immediate challenges while shaping long-term strategy, integrity, operations, and impact.

    We think this provides clients with something more than the sum of its parts - an approach that is transformative rather than merely transactional. This is how we unlock understanding and influence the strategic and operational landscape, converting knowledge into appreciable results.

Organised for Service

  • Exploratory Mapping

    We get to the heart of client matters and ensure they’re well grounded. We undertake exploratory and speculative inquiries to identify the previously achieved, register the current state of the art, and scope the near, medium and far horizons.

  • Contextual Research

    We look into wrap-around issues affecting client interests - identifying constraints and opportunities in the political, environmental, social, technological, legal and economic conditions that determine the success or failure of new ventures.

  • Experimental Applications

    We use foundational knowledge established through basic and applied research to prototype new and improved products and processes. We stress-test and benchmark them, assess their viability, and generate new data and analytical insights about the art of the possible.

  • Advisory Services

    This is our mechanism of first resort for meaningful and cost-effective engagement with clients. Personalised advisory services enable convenient interaction, rapid feedback, and privileged access to our expertise, experience and support.

  • Fractional Support

    Being well informed is a key component of good decision making and leadership. Getting to that point and staying ahead of the information curve requires planning and resources. We help by providing cost-effective, outsourced CxO support.

  • Capacity Building

    Our technical assistance and capacity building services develop and augment our clients’ in-house capabilities, achieved through direct staff support on an embedded, remote, or hybrid basis, in rapporteuring, mentoring, drafting, or other roles.