Critical Success Factors in Research and Development Project Management: Evolution Based on a Systematic Review

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of critical success factors in research and development project management based on a systematic literature review conducted between 1989 and 2023. The PRISMA methodology was applied, allowing the identification of 24 high-quality articles sourced from Scopus and Web of Science. The results show that these factors consistently fall into four dimensions: environmental, market, organizational, and technological. Early research focused on internal aspects such as the project manager’s role, organizational structure, and the use of formal methodologies, whereas more recent studies incorporate external factors such as public policies, risks, customer involvement, and technological maturity. This evolution reflects a shift from models centered on individual capabilities to systemic approaches in which environment, market, organization, and technology interact. The study provides an up-to-date overview that explains how these factors have changed over time and offers a solid conceptual foundation for improving management practices, guiding strategic decision-making, and strengthening technology transfer across academic, industrial, and governmental contexts.