The IRF brings IR scientists and end-users from the industry together, ensuring that both communities engage in a fruitful dialogue. IR academics appreciate feedback from end-users about real-work conditions, which allow them to adapt their research to concrete, less fundamental targets. Professional end-users get information about the latest technology developments and are given the opportunity to draw the attention of researchers to specific issues. This unique interaction between experts from research and industry ensures a high scientific standard and eventually a better relevance of the research work to business.

By providing a communication platform and fostering knowledge transfer, the IRF acts as a catalyst to turn research into practice.