Best Innovation

Who should apply?

Anyone working in the market research arena earning revenue who can demonstrate real innovation in their work, working practice or methodology during the 12 months running up to 1 July 2012.

What will the judges be looking for?

Depending on the nature of the submission (individual or company, product, process, technique or service) the judges will consider the following when judging entries:

• innovation and creative thinking – why is what you have done innovative? How does it differ from anything that has gone before? It should not be incremental, but genuinely new.
• establishment of a new product, process or evidence-gathering technique which extends the limits of current thinking or the way that we work
• creation of a new business unit, product, process or service which looks beyond traditional research boundaries
• work or activity from an individual / organisation that has prompted an industry step change
• improvement in bottom-line results based on this innovation
• an indication of the impact that the innovation will have, its commercial potential and how it is set to challenge and change the industry in the future; what will its contribution be to the wider knowledge economy?
• how does it work – please provide a case study example of the innovation in action

How to apply

A valid entry will comprise:

• one copy of the submission document
• one copy of the entry form
• a high resolution copy of your company logo (in jpg format)

Entries should be sent to researchawards@mrs.org.uk by 5pm on Tuesday 31 July 2012.

Submission format

Basis of submission: 500 words (max) Statement supporting your case plus specific additional information.

The key is the innovation itself – how it was achieved, the challenges it meets and the potential impact that it could have on the future direction of the research sector and beyond.

In addition to your Statement:

• Entries from individuals: you may also include up to three short ( 100 words max) anecdotes from clients to support your case.
• Entries from a company/organisation: in addition to your Statement you must specify:
• date of incorporation (in the case of a business entry)
• numbers employed (split between executive and support staff)
• fees and profit data for two years (where possible)

Only electronic applications in the required format will be considered for this award.

• Download and complete the Word submission document and entry forms – these two forms will constitute your award application.
• Your submission will be judged on the merits of the summary/paper alone – no appendices or additional material will be considered.
• You must send a high resolution version of your company logo, or two logos if the project is an agency/client partnership, in print quality jpg format (about 300dpi) to be used for publicity purposes if your entry is shortlisted for an award.
• The submission document, entry form and company logo should be sent as attachments to the same email with the subject line Best Innovation Award Entry 2012.

Rules of entry – Best Innovation

• The ‘innovation’ must have been made in the 12 months up to 1 July 2012.
• You must nominate a primary contact on your Entry Form who will take overall responsibility for the entry.
• The primary contact must ensure that permission to enter the Awards is obtained from all parties involved including any clients or suppliers.
• Entries must not overtly ‘sell’ any organisation. Company logos are acceptable.
• The judges’ decisions are final. The Panel will not enter into correspondence about why an entry is not selected as a finalist.
• By entering the Awards, you grant MRS and our media partners permission to publish your submission to promote our awards schemes and excellence in market research. If your submission contains sensitive information, you should clearly state this and may be asked to provide a redacted version for publishing. This is a condition of entry.
• Entries must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 31 July 2012 to qualify. No extensions will be granted.

There is an entry fee for this award:

MRS Member/Company Partner
£500 + VAT (£600 ) for first entry
£250 + VAT (£300 ) for each additional entry, in any category

Non-Member
£750 + VAT (£900 ) for first entry
£250 + VAT (£300 ) for each additional entry, in any category

You will be invoiced once your entry has been processed. Failure to pay by 01 September 2012 will cancel your application.

• Download submission document
• Download entry form

One ticket to the Awards Dinner in December will be allocated per shortlisted entry. Additional tickets can be purchased nearer the time at the standard advertised price.