Ten Considerations

You Can Say "No"

Make sure to carefully consider if you want to enter into partnership with a corporation.

Many issues can arise that threaten your integrity as a researcher, the integrity of your research itself, and result in your work causing additional harm.

Corporations might have a strong interest in gathering data about certain populations, and you risk becoming a conduit to data that they want to exploit for purposes other than your research.

University Research Administration

In some universities, your research administration office can be a valuable resource.

They may offer consultations on contracting advice, rules regarding foreign participation in research, data, and research ownership.

If you encounter challenges with an established research partnership, consider seeking guidance from the research office.

Perceived Conflicts of Interest

Even with expertly safeguarded work, your reputation may be at risk when taking corporate finances. Other researchers, corporations, and the public may view you as a corporate mouthpiece. You may appear to participate or facilitate ethics washing campaigns.

Be mindful of how the company represents you, your image, and your research in the partnership.

Be aware of whether you have agreed to promotional material. If you have, know how you will be represented in promotional material and when.

Actual Conflicts of Interest

Taking funding from corporations can impact your research.

Corporate interests may impact the way you conduct the work pact, how you and the company frame your findings, limit the possible conclusions under the (veiled or explicit) threat of future fundings.

Become familiar with how these interests may bleed into your work and prepare strategies for pushing back against these pressures.

The Research Contract 

Learn more about contracts here

It is integral to start with a strong research contract and read this document carefully. Wherever possible, consult with a lawyer before signing.

Ensure that you have control over processes, timelines, and the payment schedules.

Seek support from your institution to help translate what the contract says and what you could be signing onto.

Research Partners within the Company

Your relationship will differ depending on the department. Always be sure to know who you are partnering with within the company.

Ask yourself whether you are in discussions with the research team, the product team, or legal.

There is always a difference between working with advertising and promotion vs. production and design.

Learn more about contracts here

Funding Types and Research Autonomy

The type of funding offered to you might help mitigate some of these challenges. For example, gifts tend to be broad and not too narrow.

Try to ensure the type of financial exchange will not limit your research possibilities.

Directed research donations will most likely dictate which project you are to undertake. This might risk your research integrity.

Types of Companies

Research challenges can differ based on the kind of company you are partnering with.

New start-up vs Established

A new company might not have a visible track record to inform your decision. You will have difficulty understanding who you are partnering with. An older company, on the other hand, may have more industry sway. The threat of exploitation is a primary concern, particularly when there is a large power imbalance between an individual, independent researcher and a large, financially stable corporation.

Small vs Big

A small company may see trustworthy, offering access to all individuals within the company. However, they might request more than they can afford financially and pressure you to work pro-bono. On the other hand, a big corporation might offer financial stability and appear more trustworthy in that sense. restrict your access to data or individuals within the organization. Before participating in public events, be sure to push for transparency from corporate partners. Know where you stand and what you are standing for.

Known vs Unknown

A known company may have a track record known to your peers and community regarding their collaboration with with researchers. Universities may offer guidance based on on-going relationships and the potential benefits and drawbacks of entering these partnerships.

Known companies may prioritize maintaining a positive public image, but they might also be more secretive. On the other hand, an unknown corporation lack this established track record but may be interested in projecting an image of openness and interest in supporting critical research.Ensure the corporation is not using your image to reframe your work and your profile as a confirmation or an assent to their practices.

Trust and Trustworthiness

Gather information about the company from reliable, independent sources before committing to agreements and ask yourself: Do I trust the company I am going to work with?

This means considering if your goals and interests in this research align with the company’s goals and interests.

Is the company acting in bad faith? Consider the details you know about the company, and how you know about them.

Company Track Record

Before entering into a partnership, try to find out the corporate history and track record of working with researchers.

Research other partners who have worked with the company.

Contact trusted research peers and inquire with your University Research Office.