NEWS3 May 2013

Best Innovation

This award is intended to single out the individual or organisation that has pioneered a methodology, product, service, process or initiative that can be hailed an innovation in research. The winning innovation should not merely be an incremental change in something already established in the sector but should be a genuine innovation. Its impact should be apparent and, at the very least, it should enhance the value of market or social research to clients and make a measurable difference to their success.

Who should apply?
Anyone working in the market research arena who can demonstrate real innovation in their work, working practice or methodology during the 12 months running up to 1 July 2013.

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:

  • Is it really innovative? How does it differ from anything that has gone before? It should not be incremental, but genuinely new.
  • How does it work? Entrants must include a case study, either real or hypothetical?
  • What business need does it address? Who is this innovation for? How will this help new or existing clients do what they were doing better than before? Or how will it help them do something that they couldn’t do before?
  • What is the size of the opportunity for this innovation? Give us 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?

The judging process – NEW FOR 2013
Judging for this award will be in two parts.

  • The submission: First, all written entries will be reviewed by our panel, with a maximum of six entries then shortlisted to progress to the second round.
  • The pitch: The second round will require entrants to deliver a live demonstration/pitch of their submitted innovation to a panel of judges, consisting of senior insight and/or marketing decision makers.

Each pitch should last no more than 15 minutes and involve no more than 3 people, after which the judges will have an additional 15 minutes to ask any follow-up questions about the innovation/entrant.

This judging round will require entrants to travel to London at a time and date to be confirmed.

Hints from the judging panel
Ask yourself, ‘Is it really an innovation or just incremental change?’ We are looking for something that is starting to shake up the market. Innovation is crucial for the development of the research sector and something that users of research and insight are always on the look out for. This highly coveted award will help to position your organisation at the forefront of current thinking and practice.

How to apply

A valid entry will comprise:

Entries should be sent to researchawards@mrs.org.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 31 July 2013.

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.

Rules of entry – Best Innovation

  • The innovation must have been made in the 12 months up to 1 July 2013.
  • 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.
  • 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 Wednesday 31 July 2013 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 2013 will cancel your application.

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.

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