Australian Insight Associations Plan Merger

Australian industry bodies, the Australian Data and Insights Association (ADIA) and The Research Society (TRS) are proposing to merge, creating a single association for the country's research, data and insights industry from 1st July next year.

ADIA s the peak industry body for data, insights and research organisations in Australia, representing more than 85 of its leading data, insights and research companies, with members employing over 5,000 people. The association manages the industry Trust Mark seal, quality ISO standards and administers the Privacy Code.

The Research Society is the country's professional body for market and social researchers and insight professionals, with more than 1600 members and over 150 corporate partners. It administers the industry Code of Professional Behaviour and professional accreditation schemes, and operates the Qualified Professional Researcher (QPR) accreditation.

The organisations have been exploring a potential merger since late last year, and say they believe 'the time is right to deliver a unified, stronger industry voice ... via a new entity that ensures broader representation and a thriving future for the industry.' Organisations, provider individuals and users of market and social research, insights and data analytics will all be represented. The Boards of the two met in June and unanimously endorsed a proposed merger model, including a new constitution, membership categories, board structure and voting rights. Online member voting on the proposal will take place from October 5th to 16th, and the outcome will be formally announced at the respective organisations' AGMs on November 18th. Feedback is also invited from members of both organisations.

'With rapid advancements in AI and other technology, and the challenging economic environment, there has never been a more critical moment to deliver a single, stronger industry voice for our members,' says ADIA President, Josephine Foti. 'This proposed merger is about future readiness and financial resilience creating a bigger, better-equipped body to lead the industry through rapid change, rather than react to it, and making us more sustainable long term.'

TRS President Ellen Baron says both organisations have served the industry effectively, but believes the merger 'presents an opportunity for members [of both orgs] to become part of a new, larger and stronger entity for our industry. Our vision is to create a combined association that is innovative, collaborative and adopts high standards of ethics, quality and professional development, while continuing to provide the very best member services.' She adds: 'We believe the future is bright for our industry, and we hope our members join us in voting for the merger.'

The orgs are online at www.dataandinsights.com.au and www.researchsociety.com.au .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.