Independent, non-partisan research on decisions that cross borders
We produce peer-reviewed analysis, market intelligence and policy research across nine areas — and we publish the data, methods and funding behind every study.
Evidence that stands up to scrutiny
The International Research Institute exists to produce independent, evidence-based research for the people who make consequential decisions — in government, business, finance, international organisations and civil society.
Our vision is a public record of research in which methods are stated plainly, data is open to inspection, and funding is disclosed — so that a finding can be judged on its evidence rather than on who paid for it. We work across nine research areas and eight market-research services, connecting comparative policy analysis with rigorous market intelligence.
We are non-partisan by design. We do not take institutional positions on contested questions beyond what a given study supports, and we hold market and policy work to the same standards of sourcing, review and disclosure.
- publications since 2025
- 30publications since 2025
- research programmes
- 9research programmes
- countries covered
- 140+countries covered
- reports published with data and methods
- Allreports published with data and methods
Six commitments that shape every study
Independence
Our research questions and conclusions are set by the research team. Funders and commissioning clients cannot approve, edit or delay our findings.
Non-partisanship
We do not endorse parties, candidates or campaigns. We report what the evidence supports and are explicit about what it does not.
Methodological transparency
Every publication states its data sources, sample and analytical approach so that others can scrutinise and reproduce the work.
Evidence before opinion
We lead with data, comparative analysis and documented assumptions rather than assertion, and we distinguish finding from interpretation.
Openness
Data, code and survey instruments are published under CC BY 4.0 wherever licensing and privacy allow, so findings can be checked.
Comparative perspective
We study decisions that cross borders, sectors and systems, drawing on evidence from many countries rather than a single vantage point.
How we work
- 01
Methods in every report
Each publication states its data sources, sample and analytical approach so findings can be checked and reproduced.
Read more - 02
Peer review & external advisers
Studies are reviewed internally and, where appropriate, by external advisers before publication.
Read more - 03
Funding & independence disclosed
We disclose who funded each study and how our editorial independence is protected.
Read more
We would rather publish a careful finding with its limits stated than a confident one we cannot defend. Independence is not a slogan; it is a set of procedures.
From founding to a public record
Established in 2021, the Institute has grown into a standing research organisation with an open catalogue and disclosed methods.
- 2021
Founded
The Institute was established as an independent, non-partisan research organisation, structured around nine research programmes.
- 2022
Advisory Council convened
External advisers were appointed to the Advisory Council to review methodology and study design as the first studies moved into fieldwork.
- 2023
Standards and open data
Editorial standards and a corrections policy were adopted, with a commitment to publish data, code and survey instruments under CC BY 4.0, and external review was formalised.
- 2024
Market-research practice
A dedicated market-research practice was added alongside the policy programmes, with fieldwork now spanning more than 140 countries.
- 2025
Published catalogue opened
The Institute opened its public catalogue — its first reports, insight papers and datasets — bringing the published work together as a single open library, each title linked to its data and methods.
- 2026
Ongoing
Research continues across all nine areas, with every report published alongside its data, methods and funding disclosure.
How we protect independence and quality
Our approach
How we design, review and publish each study.
Read moreIndependence & funding
How editorial independence is protected and funding disclosed.
Read moreGovernance
The board of trustees, advisory council and executive.
Read moreEditorial standards
Authorship, peer review, sourcing and corrections.
Read more
Commission research, or read the evidence for yourself
Browse the full catalogue of publications and data, or discuss a market-research brief with our team.