Tom Ewing has an update to his thinking regarding Millennials in MR.
There was such a great response to his question (Are the kids alright?) that he revised and extended his remarks.
It is worth reading the comments.
I maintain that there is plenty of young talent in the industry, but that these talented folks in their 20s [...]

The Boston Consulting Group released an excellent report on the state of client-side (in house) market research departments. You can read it all here.
Highlights:
1. Only 35% of executives describe their in-house MR function as “best in class.” (see page 4)
2. Although corporations should strive to move their MR departments from “order takers” [...]

In the Research Industry Trends Report 2009 Leonard Murphy asks two important questions:
1. “How long can a healthy industry operate on low margin with insufficient resources? The strain is already apparent as many shops have closed their doors since 2008.”
2. “What should be done to support a perception that research is a [...]

As even the casual observer of the industry knows, this time of transition is being met with mourning, concern and excitement, often in the same individuals. This is how change works on us.
Although the reaction to this change is NOT generally binary, it is worth reviewing the positive and negative reactions to the changes [...]

For an instructive overview of what industry professionals see as challenges today, it is worth reviewing the 2009 Research Industry Trends report here.
Page 25 is the key page.
Here are the top 2 box responses (“a little problematic” and “a major problem”):
86% price or budget issues from current economy
73% research treated as a commodity
70% client [...]

As we close out 2009, the contours of the future of market research are becoming clearer. Looking ahead, here is a quick look at transitions I expect in the coming years:
1. From intrusive, survey based research to passive, observational research utilizing what has been called “listening posts.”
2. From research conducted at arms [...]

One of the challenges that vexes the market research industry is a perceived lack of respect among the buyers of its product.
Advertising Age pondered this issue on September 24, 2007, and it is worth a read. The author, Jack Neff, does an exceptional job of spelling out the isues at hand.
Key quote:
“It’s a [...]

For a deep look into the industry today, I recommend the Research Industry Trends Report 2009.
Three key points:
1. The Need for Speed. 70% of market research professionals agree that clients are demanding shorter timelines.
2. The Threat of Commoditization. 73% agree with the idea that the industry is being commoditized with clients [...]

For a quick take on the top market research trends in 2010, I recommend Jane Mount’s Top Ten here.
You can read my take on these trends here.