Strategic research has a vital role to play in navigating us out of the current crisis, so why are brands cutting research projects? In this episode: Roger McKerr, founder of insight and strategy agency Davies McKerr, and Darren Savage, chief strategy officer at Tribal London and lecturer at the Oxford Business School, discuss the crucial role of research in shaping brand strategy as we emerge from the Covid 19 crisis. How the world has changed Ever-shifting points of reference Doing the unthinkable Forget getting back to 'normal' Imposed behaviour change and new social norms Imposed behaviours Forming new rituals and habits How crisis exposes differences Challenges to strategy A much more complex audience profile How brands have responded to the crisis Shutting down 'non-essential' activity The IPA Bellweather Report Halting strategic research The dangers of strategic short-termism Paralysis through lack of analysis Brands that are doing well Nike's integrated brand experience Brands that are doing badly Primark's devastating lack of ecommerce Insight as an enabler of action Building new insight Creating confidence What brands should do next The 5 point plan Identifying new consumer needs/preferences Getting your tone of voice right Reviewing and revising media plans Thinking about what your brand stands for Combining behaviours and communications Positives coming out of the crisis Positivity and human nature Leveraging our intuitive gifts Innovation and experimentation