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The Australian Data and Insights Association (ADIA) and The Research Society (TRS) have proposed merging into a single entity.
The organisations are calling on members to support the merger, which they say will create broader representation and a stronger future for the industry.
The new entity would represent Australian research, data and insights organisations, professionals and users of market and social research, insights and data analytics, and is set to formally start from July 1 next year.
Josephine Foti, president of ADIA, said advances in AI and technology, along with the economic environment, made the timing critical for a unified industry voice.
"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," Foti said.
"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.”
Ellen Baron, president of TRS, said both organisations had served the market and social research and insights industry well.
"This merger presents an opportunity for TRS and ADIA members to become part of a new, larger and stronger entity for our industry," she said.
“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.”
Online member voting on the proposal will take place from October 5 to 16, with the outcome to be announced at the respective organisations' AGMs on November 18.
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