The agreement is suitable both for research assignments and for smaller investigations and evaluations. It applies no restrictions on who carries out the assignment, and can be used both by research institutes and consultants without formal research qualifications. The agreement is not suitable for contribution research/research grants.

The public sector should always first consider using this agreement when contracting research and investigation work. All parts of the agreement can be adapted to the needs of specific assignments. Deviating agreement terms on the principal parts of the standard agreement should, however, be particularly justified.

The standard agreement is constituted by a solid framework to ensure to public employers that research and investigation assignments contracted by them respect recognised scientific and ethical principles. It makes sure that both the employer and the research have rights to the results, and that results are published. The agreement favours independent commissioned research with a high degree of legitimacy.

The evidence base for public decision-making should be established following high scientific and professional standards and characterised by openness. This allows the public to maintain high trust and gives legitimacy to publicly funded research and development and to evidence based policy in general.