Applied research primarily focuses on:

Applied research is specifically designed to address practical problems and improve processes by combining existing knowledge with real-world applications. The focus of applied research is on finding solutions to issues that may arise in various fields, such as business, healthcare, education, and engineering. This type of research emphasizes usability and practical outcomes rather than just theoretical understanding.

In contrast, exploring fundamental principles is more in line with basic research, which seeks to increase our understanding of underlying phenomena without immediate applications in mind. Follow-up studies, while important, primarily serve to build on previous research findings rather than create new practical applications. Developing new technology from ideas relates more closely to innovation and product development rather than the overarching scope of applied research, which focuses on marrying theory with practice to solve specific, real-world problems. Thus, the chosen answer reflects the essence of applied research effectively.