Research ability

But it is actually about more than just doing research. In order to solve problems properly, you not only need to be able to find new answers, but you also need an inquisitive attitude and you must be able to build on the existing work of others. We call these three aspects together (inquisitive attitude, application of existing work and conducting research) research ability.

Inquisitive attitude
To be curious and open to innovation. To want to understand and be critical. These are important qualities to make your own. Only then, you can apply existing work and conduct research with the right attitude. Only if you are curious, you look broad enough for possible solutions to make the right choice. And if you cannot critically reflect on your own work and that of others, you cannot improve yourself and your work. This is why it is said that attitude is the most important part of your research ability.

Applying existing work
A lot has already been done by others that you can build on for your solution. If you don't use this existing work, you are constantly reinventing the wheel. You could have spent that time in a more useful way! Therefore, make use of experts, existing publications, analyses, databases, best practices, etc. to make well-informed decisions.

Conducting research
Sometimes just looking at what others have already done is not enough. The problem you are trying to solve is often slightly different from what others have already looked into. In that case, you cannot apply existing work directly. You will have to create new knowledge and new solutions yourself, fitting your context, by doing your own research.