We’ve just spent an interesting hour and a bit chatting with Gemma Ball from GDR Creative Intelligence – an organisation that puts research and future trends at the heart of what they do.

Our partner David Ellis joined us and we talked about where social media is heading, its relevance for brands and importantly how to measure the value and return on investment in any engagement.

We discussed how our knowledge of consumer behaviour comes from practical experience – through talking to people in social spaces en masse. This means we can help key sectors to set benchmarks and standards for online social activity – something that is often sorely lacking in this murky “social media” world.

GDR’s Global Innovation Report sat tantalisingly on the table, like forbidden treasure! Their report helps clients to understand trends and showcases best in breed projects from around the world.

It’ll be interesting to see where this conversation takes us. We’re all fired up – watch this space…