Today I rediscovered the Science Advisory Board. I had forgotten that this organization existed.
Their mission is to improve communications between (a) medical and life science professionals and (b) the companies who provide this community with products and services. In other words, its a way to hook researchers and their colleagues up with companies that can provide the stuff and services that they need.
So they conduct studies about the products and services in question. Companies can then use this information to improve existing products and services or to develop new ones that better meet the needs of their customers.