What are the IRI Networks?

IRI Networks are informal, self-directed groups of professionals working in various functional areas of research and development.  Participation in the IRI Networks is FREE, and gives you access to a credible network of peers in R&D who are facing similar challenges, and allows you to gain from the collective knowledge, experience and expertise of IRI members.  IRI Networks hold meetings to share best-practices, conduct benchmarking and network with others in their area of R&D.  Between meetings, Network members stay connected by using the Network’s electronic communication tool, the iForum, and by conducting topic-focused teleconferences, webinars and “Brown-Bag” book club discussions.  Best of all, this valuable opportunity, considered by many members as one of the greatest benefits of IRI membership, is FREE and open to all employees of IRI member companies!  

Network List - Click on a Network for more information.

Just Announced - The Spring 2009 Multi-Network Meeting will take place March 9 - 11 in Baltimore, MD. 

Network meetings held twice a year

"It is the best meeting I attend all year" - September 2007 Fall Network Meeting Attendee

"I use these meetings as a training for my own career advancement" - September 2007 Fall Network Meeting Attendee

IRI Network Meetings are open to all IRI members.  Network members who are unable to attend a specific meeting may send a substitute.   Network meetings are held in convenient locations near major airports and are priced reasonably to ensure maximum participation.  Meetings are neither conferences nor lectures, but rather collaborative efforts consisting of member presentations, guest speakers, idea-sharing sessions and roundtable discussions.

Meetings are conducted in a roundtable format to facilitate open discussion and sharing of ideas.  The environment is not competitive, but rather collegial and supportive; members attend to support one another and provide ideas and advice.  Specific company proprietary information is not exchanged, and members agree not to attribute information outside of the meeting without the approval of the persons involved.  Meeting agendas are collaboratively developed by Network members and include hot topics and areas that members would like to explore further.  Individual attendees contribute to the meeting by making presentations on how their company is addressing certain issues, and all attendees contribute their own examples and ideas.   Network members often take back numerous ideas and suggestions to implement in their own companies. 

Meeting materials such as agendas, PowerPoint presentations and survey results are posted on each Network’s on-line e-Community shortly after meetings have concluded, for easy access and viewing by all Network members, just not meeting attendees. 

Membership & How to Join

Membership in IRI Networks is FREE and is open to all employees of IRI member companies.  Network members may be Voting Representatives, Representatives, Electronic Representatives, Company Associates, Transitional Affiliates or Emeritus Activity Group members.  Also, all Network members have access to, and are listed in, the IRI “Who’s Who” Member Directory. 

To join an IRI Network, send an e-mail to Lee Green at green@iriinc.org indicating which Network(s) you would like to join.  Please include your full name, title, company, mailing address, phone, fax & e-mail.  You will receive a confirmation notice welcoming you and giving you instructions on how to participate. 

Sharing Information and Confidentiality

Information shared at meetings is available only to Network members at the meeting and on the Networks e-Community.  Particularly sensitive company information is to be shared to the degree agreed upon by each individual Network.   Meeting notes and minutes shall be edited accordingly.   In order to facilitate a effective exchange of ideas at meetings, Network members are encouraged to prepare questions related to information they need to get, and news they have to share. 

Network members involved in data collection via surveys, questionnaires, or other information gathering documents should be confidential, brief, and focused. Design, coordination, and distribution should be facilitated through IRI staff to ensure that they are efficiently handled and gain maximum participation from the Network.

Questions & More Info

If you have any questions or would like more information about IRI Networks, please contact Lee Green at green@iriinc.org  or 703-647-2580.