Marketing Research Industry leaders pessimistic about the current health of the Industry.

While key metrics of the Marketing Research Association’s Research Industry Index (RII) remain relatively flat for the second quarter of 2008, business executives forecast a gloomy outlook.

Agreement with such statements as “our new business prospects look good,” “the year is shaping up to be a better year for our business” and “we have more new clients this year” have plummeted.

According to Larry Brownell, CEO of the MRA, there is also some indication that end clients are shopping their RFPs more than in the past. This is putting pressure on research companies’ overall margins.

Data for the RII is gleaned from a quarterly study conducted among owners or senior level management of marketing research companies and End Users. The second quarter study was completed in late June, among 116 executives. The study addresses both qualitative and quantitative research. The RII is calculated based on the reported change in RFPs/Proposals, Projects/Booked Revenue and Staffing Levels.

Interviewing was conducted online, via a survey hosted by Authentic Response. Reporting was completed by Cooper Roberts Research.

For more information at http://www.mra-net.org>