Literal question
During the last three years, did this establishment spend on research and development activities, either in-house or contracted with other companies (outsourced)?
Interviewer instructions
INTERVIEWER: Research and development (R&D) is defined as creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge. For example, laboratory research for a new chemical compound of paint would be research and development while market research surveys or internet surfing would not be research and development.