The university is inclined to the development of products, technologies, innovations and discoveries of new ideas and information. This is facilitated through research engagements of faculty, full-time researchers and undergraduate/graduate students. The activity is geared towards providing products and services to the end-consumers and other stakeholders of the university from various fields.

Research and development outputs must be disseminated through extension. This is materialized through seminars, trainings, community engagements and various approaches. In addition, as part of its information dissemination, the university also promotes publication and patenting of research outputs and provides subsequent incentives.

As a research univeristy, the University of Southern Mindanao is committed to produce quality research, development and extension (RDE) engagements and activities. Research directions are geared towards the university themes and priority areas.

These are:

1) Quality Learning, Skills Development, and Literacy,
2) Social Development and Strong Institutions,
3) Preservation of Culture,
4) Environmental Protection, Conservation, and Risk Reduction,
5) Food Security and Poverty Reduction,
6) Good Health and Well-being,
7) Innovations in Science, Engineering, and Technology, and
8) Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Management.