counting wrote:If you have 9 units level 9 R&D of 3 or 5 years plan constantly you should always lead unless other AIs have expertise in that product class. Even if they did, you could still research semi-product in the middle to get a little ahead, usually AI don't prioritize semi-product R&D.

counting wrote:No, if you are not manufacturing during the research period there's no point having more than one. But if they are set to research with different time spam, you can hop tech with less "blank period", and stay competitive while keep upgrade manufacturing.

counting wrote:Did you see that bookshelf thing in the middle just on top of that big "?", there are some default layouts you can apply. If you are using a new layout, you will have to reset all the current research. The max is to connect 9 units together like a "米" sign, and click the middle unit to enact them all as one "R&D team".

If you are new to Capitalism lab, even with Cap II experience, I highly recommend difficulty lower than 100, and getting use to all the mechanics and UI first. It's very unforgiving with increasing difficulty. AIs are quite good at optimize their strategies.

counting wrote:What's your game difficulty setting? How many AIs? And how long until you start R&D center? And you do know multiple R&D units connected to each other can speed up research right? How much time has passed in game? Even with very high starting capital and high aggressive AIs, upto 1k tech still take like a least a decade. If you were trying to enter a full monopoly product at that point without a strategy, is like trying to beat McDonald with street vendors.

You need to find a better entry point or try other products, business is always changing, and be flexible with what you produce. Do go head to head, and toe to toe with tough opponents, find allies. Don't be afraid to restart and try again, or lower difficulty setting, fewer AI, less local competitive, more starting capitals, etc. Sometime it's just bad luck, you might do better next time.