The technology is growing up very fast, and the innovations are amazing, unlimited topics are present, how to do a good job if we don't focus on only one field, or one topic.
It is a very broad question. But I'll give you few remarks that I benefited from.
1/You must have a clear, feasible and profitable (not only money wise) GOAL, that you can reach or help others pursuit in a finite amount of time.
2/in STEM research, in most cases, try to be up to date as much as you can.
3/ It is OK to be multidisciplinary, as long as said disciplines work in tandem.
4/You are not working alone, so look for the work of your colleagues from the university or even country, and try to use existing knowledge to get to new grounds.
5/ Finally, But, Most Importantly, Do what you love to do. not for the sake of papers, degrees or "shareable certificates on LinkedIn". Do it for the pleasure of knowledge.
You cannot progress alone. You have had a goal that fits with global targets of your interdisciplinary research group (team work) or research labo. Targets must have a sense and be useful for you, your country, and human being in general. Therefore, do what you love and useful for people and society.