Autonomous Research Governance: A Conceptual Framework for Discovery-Driven Institutional Governance

This paper introduces Autonomous Research Governance, a conceptual framework for institutions operating in discovery-driven technological environments. The framework integrates structured experimentation, institutional memory systems, and evidence-based evaluation into strategic decision-making processes. By transforming research activity into a governance mechanism, organisations can reduce uncertainty and accumulate discovery capital over time. The document outlines the economic context of the discovery economy, the conceptual architecture of experimental governance, and the institutional infrastructure required to support continuous strategic learning.