If I plan quality improvement project, does the intent to publish make my quality improvement project fit the regulatory definition of research?

This depends on what is "the regulatory definition of research" that you are referring to  !!   Is it a company definition, country definition, industry definition or what ?Then it also depends on how your " improvement work" is explained and documented in relation to the definition of research that applies to your case !

Well

Agreed with the answer given by Mr.:Mohammed thiab