Research

Research is the key to open minds, to generate knowledge, ideas and solutions. By conducting independent research on ‘burning issues’ we create value for businesses and organizations. Based on our research, these organizations can make the steps necessary to stay successful and contribute to a sustainable future. We are specialists in design-oriented research and problem solving methods. These methods generate solutions that will work for client organizations as well as innovative insights that contribute to the international body of knowledge.

As thought leader in international business diplomacy, CONE Academy performs independent research focussed on different themes surrounding our area of expertise:

  • International business and commercial diplomacy
  • International business diplomacy strategies, instrument and practices
  • Purpose-driven international business
  • International business (diplomacy) and religion
  • Business and the Common Good
  • Morality and corporate governance and value chains
  • Meaningfulness in business
  • Corporate governance and the common good
  • International trade missions and values
  • business diplomacy in conflict zones
  • International business in fragile states


We are a small team with an extensive network that conducts cutting-edge research and we leverage our extensive experience to create value for our clients. This guarantees high-quality reports that deliver key insights in a specific area. We believe that sharing our knowledge and insights contributes to a continuous improvement of the international business environment. Therefore, our research is publicly available to anyone interested. Below you can find and read a summary of our latest research. If you are interested you can purchase the full report.

We help businesses by conducting research, and delivering high quality insights. Are you curious how we can let your business thrive? Contact us.   

Catholic Social Teaching and corporate governance of the multinational corporation: a literature review and conceptual overview
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) developed a view on the purpose and the role of business in society. This view found
GOAL ALIGNMENT IN PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR DEVELOPMENT: COLLABORATIVE BUT DYNAMIC – THE AMSTERDAM INITIATIVE FOR MALNUTRITION AS A CASE STUDY
Abstract Despite the rising popularity and hailed promise of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for development, to date little research has been
Business diplomacy by multinationals in developing and conflict-prone zones
Multinational corporations (MNCs) are no longer ‘innocent’ business actors but play an important role in international relations as well. Many
The Effectiveness of Commercial Diplomacy
The global economic power shift towards the East has caused the governments of developed economies to support national businesses which
Commercial Diplomats as corporate entrepreneurs
This article presents the results of an empirical study on the roles of commercial diplomats at foreign posts. As commercial
Electronic commercial diplomacy
The traditional boundaries of our geopolitical-economic world maps are being challenged (Simonin, 2008), a process referred to as globalisation. Or
Business diplomacy in multinational corporations
Multinational corporations (MNCs) need the ability to manage complex interactions with governments, local and international NGOs. Although the relevance of
Diplomacy means business
The global economy is in transition, meaning a shift to the East, and this impacts the way of doing business
Commercial Diplomacy and International Business: Inseparable Twins?
The world economy is a dynamic environment full of opportunity and risk for international business. Such dynamism creates new political