Scientific research and development
What this code covers
Use this division for scientific research and development when the main activity includes (1) basic research: experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without particular application or use in view; and (2) applied research: original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective; and. Check exclusions and nearby codes before applying it to a mixed activity.
Official NACE Rev. 2.1 labels and explanatory notes are imported from the source dataset. Plain-language explanations are shown separately so readers can compare interpretation with the source text.
- This division includes the activities of three types of research and development:
- (1) basic research: experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without particular application or use in view;
- (2) applied research: original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective; and
- (3) experimental development: systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, directed to producing new materials, products and devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, and to improving substantially those already produced or installed.
- market research and public opinion polling, see 73.20
- Compare with 73.20, 69, 70 when the main activity overlaps another code.
- Check national equivalent caveats before using this code for local registration or filing workflows.
- If the main revenue activity appears in an exclusion, compare the alternative code before deciding.
Use this guide as classification support, not legal, tax, filing, or regulatory advice.
- - This division includes the activities of three types of research and development:
- - (1) basic research: experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without particular application or use in view;
- - (2) applied research: original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective; and
- - (3) experimental development: systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, directed to producing new materials, products and devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, and to improving substantially those already produced or installed.
- - Research and experimental development activities in this division are not to be regarded as ancillary activities. They are subdivided into the two following categories: natural sciences and engineering; social sciences and the humanities.
- - developing and producing prototypes with the primary objective to make further improvements, whether or not associated with its production
- - market research and public opinion polling, see 73.20
- - (1) basic research: experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without particular application or use in view;
- - (2) applied research: original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective; and
- - (3) experimental development: systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, directed to producing new materials, products and devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, and to improving substantially those already produced or installed.
- - Research and experimental development activities in this division are not to be regarded as ancillary activities. They are subdivided into the two following categories: natural sciences and engineering; social sciences and the humanities.
- - Market research and public opinion polling
What is NACE 72 used for?
Use NACE 72 for scientific research and development when the main activity matches this scope: Use this division for scientific research and development when the main activity includes (1) basic research: experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without particular application or use in view; and (2) applied research: original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective; and. Check exclusions and nearby codes before applying it to a mixed activity.
What are typical examples for 72?
Typical examples include (1) basic research: experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without particular application or use in view;, (2) applied research: original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective; and, and (3) experimental development: systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, directed to producing new materials, products and devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, and to improving substantially those already produced or installed..
When might 72 not be the right code?
Review another code when the activity is closer to market research and public opinion polling, see 73.20.
Which codes should I compare before choosing 72?
Compare 72 with 73.20 Market research and public opinion polling, 69 Legal and accounting activities, and 70 Activities of head offices and management consultancy when the activity description is ambiguous.
Use this class for market research and public opinion polling when the main activity includes Conducting market research studies on the awareness, evaluation and use of goods and services, on product development and pricing, on the use of media and on the recall and impact of advertising and Conducting studies of opinion research on the quality of life and lifestyles, on social participation and political participation, on political party preference and voting behaviour. Check exclusions and nearby codes before applying it to a mixed activity.
Use this division for legal and accounting activities when the main activity includes The activities of this division may also be provided online. and It also includes the preparation of legal documents (for example, articles of incorporation, partnership agreements or similar documents in connection with company formation, patents and copyrights, preparation of deeds, wills, trusts, and so on) as well as other activities of public notaries, civil law notaries, bailiffs, arbitrators, examiners and referees.. Check exclusions and nearby codes before applying it to a mixed activity.
Use this division for activities of head offices and management consultancy when the main activity includes The overseeing and managing of other units of the same enterprise or group of enterprises, i.e. the activities of head offices. Check exclusions and nearby codes before applying it to a mixed activity.
Use this division for architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis when the main activity includes Architectural and engineering activities and related technical consultancy and Technical testing and analysis. Check exclusions and nearby codes before applying it to a mixed activity.
Use this division for activities of advertising, market research and public relations when the main activity includes These advertising activities are often provided via advertising agencies and media representatives.. Check exclusions and nearby codes before applying it to a mixed activity.
Use this group for the broader activity area of research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering, including Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering. Open the child codes when a more specific code is needed.
Use this group for the broader activity area of research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities, including Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities. Open the child codes when a more specific code is needed.
Use this section for pROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES when the main activity includes Legal and accounting activities and Activities of head offices and management consultancy. Check exclusions and nearby codes before applying it to a mixed activity.
Rev. 2 code 72 maps to the same Rev. 2.1 class 72 Scientific research and development.
Official close match imported from NACE Rev. 2.1.
Low operational impact is expected, but systems should still store the target Rev. 2.1 version explicitly.
Confirm the target version field and update references where Rev. 2.1 is required.