ESOMAR Pushing Worldwide MR Standards

ESOMAR has been pressing ahead with its 'Quo Vadis project' to promote the convergence of worldwide MR standards, despite recent setbacks in the creation of a Federation of Research Associations.

The June issue of ESOMAR's Research World magazine noted that the CASRO board of directors had voted not to proceed with the proposed federation, which would also have included the ARF, CMOR and MRA. CASRO was reported to have concerns about the loss of its identity and culture under the draft by-laws laid out, but was said to be willing to continue discussions although no longer convinced of the economies of scale originally hoped for. ESOMAR reported that 'the remaining associations have agreed to continue pursuing FRA without CASRO'.

The latest standards meeting convened by ESOMAR was held in Amsterdam on 29th June and was intended as a response to 'Rapid changes in the international market research environment'. Specialists from market research associations in the US, Japan and Europe agreed on a number of activities 'to ensure the further alignment of quality standards worldwide'. Areas of agreement include 'a first set of principles for MR to be implemented worldwide' and a set of follow-up actions to foster more effective co-operation between associations.

A further update summit is planned for September 2003 in Prague.

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