Analysis of organizational documentation, sociometric survey and observation data from a twoyear field study of an research and development (R&D) organization suggests that a new type of R&D organization -the conceptual organization -is emerging. It relies on and facilitates collaboration in R&D it is based on a long-term vision that addresses large, complex and challenging problems of national and global importance. Its purpose is to work towards this vision, quickly and effectively

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... g to relevant dynamic knowledge bases and meeting diverse stakeholder needs with minimum capitalization and start-up costs. To achieve this, it has an explicit conceptual organizational structure as well as a physical structure, both of which are interwoven across other external organizational and physical structures. Challenges for conceptual organizations may arise as a result of conflicts with traditional norms and practices embedded in university and R&D settings.