Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-12-12 04:05Core Insights - Li Auto recently held a Material Technology Day at its headquarters, showcasing various technological achievements in the materials field, focusing on health and safety dimensions [1] - The company's material R&D head introduced the "Select, Cultivate, Research" methodology, using the retail company Pang Donglai as an example [1] R&D Decision-Making Framework - The "Select, Cultivate, Research" methodology serves as an internal decision-making framework for strategic allocation and management of R&D resources, structured as a funnel from easy to difficult and from external to internal [4] - The first step, "Select," involves identifying the best solutions within the existing supply chain, emphasizing the importance of precise and stringent standard definitions [6] - The second phase, "Cultivate," focuses on collaborative development driven by demand when no existing solutions meet custom standards, transforming supplier relationships into partnerships [8][10] - The final step, "Research," is chosen when neither existing solutions nor collaborative development is feasible, leading to in-house R&D efforts for critical issues [12] Resource Matching Logic - The "Select, Cultivate, Research" system reflects a clear resource matching logic, where routine quality improvement needs are addressed through the "Select" process, while significant performance breakthroughs are achieved through collaborative efforts [14] - The framework requires continuous evaluation of internal and external technological dynamics, allowing for flexibility in categorizing projects as "Select," "Cultivate," or "Research" based on evolving capabilities [16] Organizational Capability Development - Different levels of R&D activities enhance various organizational capabilities: "Select" develops standard definition and supply chain management skills, "Cultivate" fosters cross-organizational technical collaboration, and "Research" hones fundamental innovation capabilities [18] - The effectiveness of this system will ultimately be tested by the market and time, with challenges including maintaining accurate assessments of strategic importance and sustaining deep, mutually beneficial relationships with top suppliers [19] Industry Trends - In the context of increasing competition in the automotive industry, Li Auto's "Select, Cultivate, Research" system exemplifies a focused approach to R&D resource allocation, highlighting that competitive advantage increasingly lies in systematic organizational capabilities rather than solely in final products [19]