On 10 December 2015 R&D Nester became a Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) certified company, in accordance with Portuguese standard NP 4457:2007.⁽¹⁾

Since first starting out in business, R&D Nester has recognised the strategic importance of implementing an RDI management system according to this standard. The aim of this is to improve the effectiveness and performance of its activities in the search for innovative solutions in the field of energy systems, as well as ensuring a improved flow of information throughout the organisation, improving recognition and understanding of its responsibilities and organisational inter-relations.

The RDI system implemented by the company, and now with NP 4457:2007 certification, meets a wide range of requirements that drive the company to develop and implement a Research, Development and Innovation policy that will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its R&D projects within an organisational culture focused on Innovation (RD&I).

In this respect, it is noted that the focus of this RDI standard is comprehensive; that is, the set of good practices contained within it seek to guide the company to innovate in four areas: product (e.g. the result of R&D projects), organisation (e.g. implementation of methodologies that foster a culture of innovation within the company), marketing (e.g. the company's image in the marketplace) and processes (new organisational processes that seek to improve the efficiency of a particular activity).

The RDI management system implemented by R&D Nester concentrates on the three key organisational processes within our field of activity: Management of RDI Projects; Management of Interfaces and Knowledge; and Management of Ideas.

Among other advantages, this certification will permit the redefinition and systematisation of some methodologies, the promotion of creativity and management of ideas and opportunities, the organised monitoring and systematisation of RDI results, and improvements to the efficiency and efficacy of RDI projects.

With this RDI certification, R&D Nester undertakes to "consolidate a spirit of innovation and the generation of ideas that ensure the involvement of staff and promote knowledge management with the aim of enhancing human capital." It further undertakes to "improve the close collaboration between Scientific and Technological System Bodies in researching new products and knowledge production processes that enhance the differentiation, competitiveness and the promotion of the company's leadership, continuing the strategy of developing products with innovative results that contribute towards the sustainability of the business and of the energy sector."

Finally, it is noted that RDI standard NP 4457 is compatible with other management system standards currently employed by R&D Nester, particularly standards EN 9001 (Management Quality System), EN ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) and NP 4397 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System), which enables its integration into the QAS management system used by R&D Nester and other REN group companies since December 2014.

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"The NP 4457:2007 standard is based on an innovation model, supported by interfaces and interactions between scientific and technological knowledge, knowledge about the organisation and its operation and the market or society in general. The concept of innovation underlying this standard stems from its meaning as a wealth-generating mechanism, the impact and usefulness of which benefits the organisation and society.

The standard's principal objective is the definition of an effective Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) management system, enabling the organisation that adopt this standard to define an R&D policy and achieve their innovation objectives... Innovation is understood in its widest sense, according to the OECD Oslo Manual (2005), including new products (goods and services), processes and new marketing or organisational methods. Thus, while technology is one of the key results of research and development, the standard is not restricted to this area - that is to say, it is also aimed at organisations seeking to innovate in fields other than the technological."