What we do

We support research in law, economics and finance
which drives ideas and supports positive change for all

ECGRF was established in 2013 to provide long-term support to the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) which is an international not-for-profit association, that has become recognised worldwide as the prime promoter and disseminator of independent academic research of quality on corporate governance, stewardship and responsible investment, fostering debate and dialogue across regions, disciplines, industries and professions.

Our approach

research Member Majority

ECGI is the leading academic source of research on corporate governance with a long-standing reputation for quality and integrity. The Trustees of ECGRF are also members of ECGI. By design, the majority are research members of ECGI, representing the interests of the ECGI research members who are the guardians of its academic integrity, while the balance comprises independent practitioner members and patron members of ECGI. A similar majority of research members exists on the ECGI Board of Directors.

integrity of academic research is paramount

The relationship between the two organisations strengthens and supports the activities of ECGI, while ensuring that academic independence is not compromised.

International researchers

With a network of 327 international researchers that have been appointed based of the quality of their work, ECGI is a unique network in that it has a multi-disciplinary nature (law, finance, economics and management) with a multi-region focus.

The purpose of our work and that of the researchers is to :

Identify key questions

What is happening in the political economy, the real economy, and markets? What do policymakers want to know? What does the public want to know? What do investors want to know? What do corporations want to know? How can research inform them? What is the interplay between corporations, markets and society? What considerations are important? The research activities funded by ECGRF directly address these questions and provide knowledge that can be used to advance global change.

Collect reliable perspectives

With an abundance of data and resources available, it is critical that the research can be relied upon. This means that it is not influenced or biased, it is skilfully compiled and presented, and that multiple perspectives are considered.

Build bridges and connections

ECGI is a collaborative network. It does not seek to compete with other networks or institutions. It partners with leading universities around the world, providing a bridge which might otherwise be challenging to achieve between competing institutions or researchers. It is a collaboration platform. A strong example of this, is the Global Corporate Governance Colloquia (GCGC) which is organised by ECGI.

Provide public access to global knowledge

With so much information freely available and yet academic work often kept behind paywalls, ECGI, through the support of ECGRF, provides open access to thousands of papers, videos and other resources making it possible for everyone to benefit from high quality research.

Our Focus Area:
Responsible Capitalism

Corporate governance has changed in recent years. The corporation, how it is financed, its purpose, its governance and its impact on society are subjects that have moved centre stage in all regions. The collect-all term ‘ESG’ is symptomatic of this trend. Both ECGRF and ECGI are mindful of these developments and ECGI is actively pursuing a focus programme on ‘Responsible Capitalism’ which will aim to address and contribute to progress under these themes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RESPONSIBLE CAPITALISM

Our Achievements

Since 2014, ECGRF has provided a stable footing for ECGI to continue its work of sharing and promoting research while shaping discourse on important corporate governance and stewardship topics.

Discover our achievements

low-angle photography of man in the middle of buidligns

" Research must continue to be the centrepiece of intellectual life, and our commitment to research must grow, because our problems are growing"

Ernest l. boyer