For several years, Swedish researcher, journalist and conference organiser Henrik Hall has been pressing organisations to do something to help researchers from less developed markets. In particular Henrik makes the point that it is currently unrealistically expensive for people from many of the less advantaged markets to attend international conferences, which means there is a very limited flow of knowledge and experience from the more advanced markets to the rest of the world (and the developed markets are at the same time missing out on learning more about the world and the challenges faced in more difficult regions and countries).
Henrik has given up waiting for the big international organisations to take the lead and with the Swedish Market Research Day has started the ball rolling by making a contribution of 10,000 Swedish Kroner (about US $1,400) to the LonBono Fund, which will be used to help researchers from the less developed markets attend international conferences. Henrik was also able to announce that the Danish Market Research Day (to be held in May) will also be making a contribution to the LonBono Fund.
I think this is a great idea and something that market researchers everywhere should consider supporting. Two ideas that I would suggest are:
- Do like the Swedish Market Research Day, instead of presenting the speakers with flowers, wine, or books, use the money to make a donation to the LonBono Fund.
- If you are running a free event (for example a webinar or a local event) have a voluntary fee, perhaps $10, and send this money to the LonBono fund.
I will be publicising information, soon, on how you can make contributions to the fund and how you can find out more about how the money is spent.
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