Research or marketing? The challenges of managing relations with funders Simon Evans

The Project Plan May Initial discussions July 2004 Submit research proposal September Research commissioned November 04 - Research starts March 2006 – Submit final report September 2006 –Launch of report October 2006 onwards – dissemination activities (Journal articles, conference presentations, etc.)

The Reality March 2006 – report not signed off Versions 2 to 7! Launch postponed, down sized and then cancelled. Publication postponed Presentations and articles delayed

Some Key Issues Research or marketing? The researcher as ‘independent critical friend’ Intellectual property rights Access to research findings

Learning the lessons Understanding research Being clear about aims and limitations Agreeing processes The role of an advisory group