What are the key differences between a white paper and a research paper?

A white paper is typically a persuasive document that presents a problem and proposes a solution, often used in business or government contexts. A research paper, on the other hand, is an academic document that presents original research findings and is usually written for a scholarly audience. The key difference lies in their purpose and audience: white papers aim to persuade and inform decision-makers, while research papers aim to contribute new knowledge to a specific field of study.