Tom H. C. Anderson - Next Gen Market Research

Interview with Jasper Lim - NGMR Advisory Board Member and Director, Merlien Institute

Today posting a short interview so you can better get to know another of NGMR’s new moderators, Jasper Lim. Jasper is very passionate about qualitative research, and also strives to better connect our industry with academia. Other than being an active NGMR member and moderator, he and I also serve on Merlien Institutes’ Advisory Board.

I asked Jasper a few questions so that we can get to know him even better. If one of your primary interests is qualitative research or you are located in East or South East Asia, please consider joining one of the subgroups he manages.

Tom: How Did you get started in Research?

Jasper: I started my research career back in 2001 when I was senior researcher at Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands. In 2006, I founded Merlien Institute, an independent organization dedicated to the advancement of qualitative research in academia, business and policy environments. Our mission is simple, to provide an effective cross-fertilization platform for academics and practitioners to discuss, debate and disseminate best practices in qualitative research.

Tom: How if at all do you think research in your country is different than elsewhere?

Jasper: Although research processes are quite similar across board, there are cultural differences in terms of how the research is done.

Tom: Where do you get your inspiration/ideas?

Jasper: To be honest, I get most of my inspiration while taking a shower or in the swimming pool!

Tom: What do you hate/love most about research?

Jasper: Well, it has not occurred to me that I hate research. Research is a passion, you either love it or hate it. It’s incommensurable.

Tom: What new technique/s do you find most interesting?

Jasper: I find that recent advances in qualitative techniques are the most interesting, especially online qualitative research, mobile MR and mobile ethnography. There are also other new exciting things such as integrating market research in social gaming and DIY research. All very interesting stuff that can potentially be a game changer.

Tom: If you were to set up an MR Dream Team, what would it look like?

Jasper: It’s a difficult question to answer. It really depends on the business model. Personally, I would prefer to set up a small team that is dynamic and flexible. 3-4 team members who are specialized in certain techniques, but are also well-versed on each other’s methods.

Tom: When you don’t research, what do you like to do?

Jasper: When I don’t research, I like to play football or go for carting.

About Jasper

Jasper is the Director at Merlien Institute, an independent organization dedicated to the advancement of qualitative research in academia, business and policy environments. Its mission is to provide an effective cross-fertilization platform for academics and practitioners to discuss, debate and disseminate best practices through the organization of workshops, meetings and conferences. Jasper is an Editorial Board Member for the International Journal of Work Innovation and he also serves as a Board Member for the International Telework Academy (ITA).