1. EIRMA in a Nutshell

"The best management development happens when experienced managers come together to learn from each other - to discuss common concerns and visit each other's companies" - Financial Times, 31.03.04 DownloadsSee Also: Full Information Pack Brief Introduction to EIRMA Joining EIRMA What is EIRMA? EIRMA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation which deals with the effective global management and organisation of business R&D and innovation within a European perspective. EIRMA engages over 150 major companies which are based in over 20 countries and operate in a wide range of sectors. Our aim is to help companies to improve the performance of their R&D and enhance innovation. Our unique features are the networking and personal contact that the Financial Times recommends. We've been offering this for more than 40 years. What does EIRMA offer? Access to a vibrant network of global R&D performers coming from different business sectors; The entrance ticket to world-class performance; A topical programme of events as a basis for informal benchmarking; The best environment to help people become top-class managers; A clear focus on improving global business performance through more effective applied R&D. We do this through a topical programme of round tables and other activities, supported by extensive on-line information and focussed public outreach. What makes EIRMA unique? Membership and networks are pan-European and cross-sectoral; Open and honest discussion between practitioners, exchange of pragmatic experience with people who face similar challenges; The “give and take” approach is based on mutual exchange of ideas between all members How can EIRMA help my company? When your company joins EIRMA, all managerial staff – junior to senior – can take advantage of our resources and networks. They can benchmark and improve their own performance, understand what are the emerging trends. They learn from their peers and share concerte experiences on how innovation works in practice. Who can join? Any company carrying out R&D in Europe in support of its own business activities. By invitation, others who support the effectiveness of this R&D. We currently have over 150 member companies. How is EIRMA funded? EIRMA is an independent, not-for-profit body. Members fund EIRMA through their membership and participation fees. We receive no public subsidies, although we do take part in some sponsored projects. Who runs EIRMA? EIRMA is a member-led association: Member companies elect a Governing Board, which define strategy and oversees a Secretariat of six people based in Paris who handle all day-to-day activities. A Programme Planning Committee of experienced R&D managers in member companies selects relevant topics in the programme. Is EIRMA a “think tank”? Not really. Think tanks usually employ a group of people to do research for others. We concentrate on helping members to learn from each other. We then translate this understanding into a form that is useful for our members and other groups, such as public authorities. But collectively our membership constitutes a tremendous think tank. Is EIRMA a “lobby organisation”? No. Our focus is on learning what works well and communicating this insight. We do work with public authorities on improving the environment for R&D, but it is not our job to represent the interests of specific companies. The website provides full information on our outreach and external activities. Is it legal for competing companies to meet in this way? Yes, provided participants understand and follow the principles of competition law ("anti trust"). EIRMA's activities are concerned with the sharing of good organisational and management practices, and do not in any way seek to undermine competition. A full policy statement is available. Does EIRMA fund studentships? We run a small internee programme to address our own activities but EIRMA is not a funding agency. Our track record We were established in 1966 when a group of companies and the OECD recognised the need. Since then, people responsible for trillions of euros of investment in R&D have used EIRMA as their preferred network. Member Benefits: We offer these main benefits to our members: Interesting and topic events at which delegates from member companies describe their own experiences in managing R&D and innovation Publications such as this web site, proving a thorough overview of trends in R&D management Careful and considered global outreach with public policymakers and leaders in other parts of the R&D and innovation systems. By being member-focused and by providing a platform for these members to discuss ideas and exchange practical experience, we are always up-to-date with the ways managers think about and address their jobs. So our activities support companies to benchmark and improve their innovation processes and to ensure well-managed, well-organised research and development. These activities also establish EIRMA as a natural first point of contact for policy makers and others seeking the business community’s insight. Outreach and External Relations: Effective innovation and R&D involves many people and players: universities, business enterprises, institutions and governments. Europe's overall competitiveness and innovation performance depends on how well these players handle their own activities, and - increasingly - how well they work together. By bringing people from different constituencies together, our aim is to improve awareness and mutual understanding of the conditions and approaches that will lead to improved performance. We work with many groups - academic, research institute and industry associations such as the European University Association (EUA), the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) and the European Round Table of Industrialists, international organisations such as the OECD and the European Commission and the respective business groups, UNICE and BIAC - to develop this understanding and awareness. Our approach is consultative, bringing together people who have a deep practical understanding of different aspects of a subject to foster greater mutual understanding and awareness of industry's activities and needs. We also keep in regular contact with sister organisations around the world, particularly the Industrial Research Institute. This site provides links to these organisations and an atlas of information on matters affecting industrial R&D management. EIRMA supports initiatives related to the European Research Area, paying particular attention to the effectiveness of firm-led R&D and innovation, the quality of university-business R&D collaborations and Knowledge Transfer, and high standards of public education. Sections EIRMA in a nutshell Benefits of membership Joining EIRMA Activities People History read on: the benefits of membership