Introduction Research centers play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and achieving institutional academic objectives. However, they encounter multifaceted challenges ranging from staffing shortages to financial and administrative hurdles. One significant challenge is the prolonged approval process, both institutionally and regulatory, which can hinder research progress and financial stability. Addressing these delays is imperative to enhance the attractiveness of research sponsors and bolster income streams, ultimately optimizing operational efficiency and fostering collaborative research endeavors. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the economic impact of implementing a contractual and communication strategy with research sponsors on reducing the time delay between protocol submission and contract signing. Additionally, the study aims to analyze the trend in income and economic profitability at the research center over a six-year period from 2018 to 2023.

Methodology The implemented strategy, initiated in 2019, encompassed formalizing framework contracts with sponsors and streamlining communication channels to expedite responses. Data on the elapsed time between protocol submission and contract signing, as well as income and economic profitability, were collected from the research center's records. Non-normal data distribution necessitated the application of the Kruskal-Wallis test for statistical analysis using STATA/SE 18.0.

Results Data indicates a positive trend in the research center's income, with a significant increase observed from $86,338 in 2018 to $271,038 in 2023. Moreover, a substantial reduction in the waiting time between protocol submission and contract signing was noted, with the median decreasing from 288 days in 2018 to 59 days in 2023 (p=0.0467). The center's profitability, as measured by EBIDTA, experienced a notable improvement, rising from 7.5% in 2018 to 29.04% in 2023.

Conclusion In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of addressing administrative delays in research centers. The implementation of a contractual and communication strategy has yielded significant benefits, including enhanced income, profitability, and reduced waiting times for contract signing. Although the study acknowledges limitations related to closed protocols post-signing, the findings underscore the efficacy of strategic interventions in enhancing operational efficiency and financial stability in research centers. These insights are valuable for future initiatives aimed at overcoming administrative challenges in scientific research endeavors.