EFAMRO, APRC and ARIA Launch Global Research Network

European, AsiaPac and US market research associations EFAMRO, APRC and ARIA have partnered to create an international community called the Global Research Business Network (GRBN), aiming to promote adherence to worldwide ethical research practices.

The new body will support national associations as they continue to work for their members on issues that have global impact - issues such as data privacy, personal identity protection, regulatory compliance and process quality.

Together, APRC (the Asia Pacific Research Committee), ARIA (the Americas Research Industry Alliance) and EFAMRO (the European Federation of Associations of Market Research Organisations) represent 25 national associations, along with more than 2500 research businesses which have combined annual research revenues of more than $24.6 billion (EUR 18.54 billion).

Their new association, GRBN, which will be jointly led by Peter Harris of APRC, Alex Garnica of ARIA and Barry Ryan of EFAMRO, will offer members access to conferences, seminars and networking opportunities, as well as a platform through which to share information.

It will also develop and publish common research standards and guidelines, while supporting initiatives which impact self-regulation and privacy.

ARIA Board member Paulo Pinheiro de Andrade, who is also President of Brazilian trade association ABEP, comments: 'Research businesses need and deserve strong voices at every level, locally, nationally, regionally and globally. GRBN will ensure that our activities will be co-ordinated and informed by the experience gained by individuals, companies and associations, in three major federations.'

The network will be officially launched at a 'Leadership Lunch' to be held in London on 20 March 2012.

Web site: www.grbn.org .