Four Steps to Navigating Global B2B Market Research Compliance

At RONIN, we know that compliance is a value-add that builds trust and acts as a core pillar of meaningful insights. Starting with the GDPR, global data privacy regulations are changing fast and maturing to align themselves with stricter frameworks and working hard to catch up with expectations from clients and participants, which are higher than ever.

Getting compliance and data privacy right is no longer optional; it’s essential. Organisations that embed strong compliance practices build lasting client confidence and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex marketplace. We see compliance as a clear business differentiator, one that signals a clear commitment to participants.

Whether you’re part of a research agency, a consultancy or responsible for insights for a brand, here’s how we recommend staying ahead on market research compliance in 2025:

1. Keep a close eye on (ever-changing) global regulations

Privacy legislation is constantly changing, so it’s vital to keep an eye on any changes in the local implementation of the UK and EU GDPR in the UK or individual EU Member States, as well as other national or State-level regulations that could impact your research. It’s important to make time to regularly review and update your market research compliance procedures and policies to reflect the latest requirements across all jurisdictions where your research takes place.

2. Don't let compliance be an afterthought

According to UserCentrics ,  two-thirds of European businesses doubt their compliance with data protection laws as it relates to the use of cookies. Compliance shouldn’t be an afterthought; we’ve seen the benefits of making compliance in our B2B research work from day one in conjunction with participant expectations and our clients’ commercial realities. Assign clear ownership within your team, make sure responsibilities are agreed from the outset and document your processes - from data collection to secure storage and controlled access. This approach keeps things transparent and auditable for everyone involved.

3. Automation with a human heart

Technology can be a huge help! Digital tools can help you manage participant consent in a user-friendly way, to ensure research participants are in control of their personal data and respected at every stage of their B2B research journey, including after they’ve taken part. Of course, automation saves time and helps reduce human error, but don’t forget to leave the human at the core of every research interaction, whether it is the participant or the researcher to keep your finger on the pulse. At RONIN, we leverage technology while maintaining the essential human element, combining automation with expert oversight at every step.

4. Upskill and educate

Make privacy training an ongoing conversation, as laws change and so do best practices. Research shows that 82% of privacy incidents are linked to human error or insufficient staff training (UK Information Commissioner’s Office – ICO) so it’s important to provide regular training on data privacy, discuss ethical research and encourage questions from everyone involved in projects. We find this ensures “privacy by design” is embedded throughout research planning and delivery.

Compliance is an everyday reality for anyone in the research and insights industry, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. By making privacy a shared responsibility across your team and putting the right B2B data governance systems in place you create confidence - for your clients, your team and most importantly your participants.

Curious about how we navigate compliance?

We’re experts in navigating complex, multi-country B2B market research compliance and global data privacy landscapes with business outcomes in mind. Contact our team below to learn how we can make the most out of your next global research project.