We started to collaborate with another research group. We make computational predictions and they evaluate them at the lab, for bioactive compounds. We have not yet established a research agreement, just talked in person, but we would like to establish a research contract with them. This is since in our country (Spain) and given the financial crisis, groups that establish such research contracts are more eligible for further funding from national government than those that publish in Nature or Science. Since we need as many contracts as possible, price is not important, we think we can offer our services for a very small fee. The point is how to convince the other groups that we need to do this not for the money, but for our future. So the question is, what is the best way to propose them a research contract?
What you wrote here sound reasonable to me, it would convince me at least. It can only be beneficial to have something written. It would also help clarify payment and/or co-authorship in such contract. I would first talk to someone who has done that process before. Most likely your institution has a department dealing with the legaleze, and the other party as well.
cross-posted: http://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/5045/from-academic-collaboration-to-research-contract-best-practices
I do not consider this a cross-posted since they have been posted in different networks.
ok, but it is nice to let people know that the same question has been asked elsewhere. Also, somebody may be interested in reading the other answers from the other forum.
Ok, I see it now. I will then do it the next time, thanks.