How R&D skill affects research efficiency (Digital Age)

[Olorin]

So after hiring a CTO and choosing one based upon a specialty of electronics, and with a full 100 skill in R&D, I wanted to see what the benefit of his skill was for products outside his expertise.

Researching electronics products (his expertise) gave 75 progress in one year from 5 R&D units instead of 33 without him.

Researching computers however, only gave 35 progress after a year instead of 33 without him.

So I'm left at a loss of what role the R&D skill plays in your CTO if using the new research system from digital age DLC. Is there something I'm missing, like his skill level affecting how quickly my researchers will increase their research skill?