"Groundwork" means the basic foundation or preparation for something. It involves doing the necessary tasks or laying the groundwork to make future actions or plans possible. Full definition
These details barely appear in the game, but the founders believe they add richness — and lay groundwork for future projects. (inc.com)
The results, they say, should lay groundwork for future revelations about genetic or other biological factors that make people vulnerable to nicotine addiction. (sciencedaily.com)
Of course, for the consumer, it can be a bit hard to be interested by the laying of groundwork for future functionality. (9to5google.com)