Prompt Title: R&D strategy

Congratulations on your decision to build an R&D team! Here is a framework you can follow:

1. Define the objectives: First, clearly define the objectives of your R&D team. What are the specific problems or opportunities you want them to explore? Are you looking to improve your existing offerings or to develop entirely new products/services? Are you trying to expand your market share or enter new markets? Define the scope and focus areas for the team.

2. Hire the right people: The success of your R&D team depends on the people you hire. Look for individuals who are passionate about innovation, have a deep understanding of technology, and are creative problem solvers. You can also consider hiring people with diverse backgrounds to bring different perspectives to the team.

3. Develop a process: Establish a clear process for how your R&D team will evaluate and develop new technologies. This could involve conducting market research, identifying potential partners or vendors, testing prototypes, and evaluating the feasibility and potential impact of different technologies.

4. Allocate resources: Allocate the necessary resources, including time, funding, and technology, to support your R&D team. You should also establish metrics to track progress and measure the impact of the team’s work.

5. Encourage collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within your R&D team, as well as with other teams in your company. Encourage open communication, idea sharing, and feedback.

As for the tech areas you should focus on, it ultimately depends on your company's goals and target market. However, some of the hot areas in the US market include:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
2. Internet of Things (IoT)
3. Cybersecurity
4. Blockchain
5. Cloud Computing
6. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
7. Big Data Analytics
8. Robotics and Automation

Remember, the key is to focus on the technologies that will help your company achieve its specific objectives and provide value to your customers. Good luck with building your R&D team!