Commercial research policy
We carry out commissioned market research alongside our published work. This policy explains how the two are kept separate and how our independence is protected in commercial engagements.
This policy is effective from 12 May 2026. It governs the commissioned market research we undertake for clients, and how that activity relates to the peer-reviewed research we publish under our editorial standards.
Two distinct activities
The Institute does two related but separate things. We publish independent, peer-reviewed research funded by grants, philanthropy and our own reserves. We also carry out commissioned market research — market sizing, customer research, competitive intelligence and sector studies — for organisations that pay for it. These are run as distinct workstreams with distinct governance.
Separation of commissioned and published work
- commissioning a market-research project does not buy influence over our published research, editorial line or public commentary;
- a client’s confidential deliverables are not published as independent research, and are not presented as peer-reviewed;
- where commissioned work is later published, it is clearly labelled, its funding is disclosed, and it is held to our editorial standards;
- our published research does not endorse the products, services or positions of commissioning clients.
Methodological independence
Even in paid work, methods are ours to determine. We agree the questions and scope with a client, but we choose the methods, we report what the evidence shows, and we will not present a predetermined conclusion. If findings are unwelcome, we still report them. A client may end an engagement, but cannot require us to change a finding to suit a preferred outcome.
No pay-to-publish
We do not sell placement in our publications, favourable coverage or endorsements. Payment for a commissioned project is payment for the work and its deliverables, not for a conclusion or for a place in our independent research.
Confidentiality
Commissioned engagements are usually confidential. We protect client data and deliverables under the terms of a written agreement, and we keep commercial information separate from our published research. Our handling of any personal data follows our privacy notice and data use policy.
Conflicts and disclosure
We assess potential conflicts before accepting commissioned work under our conflict of interest policy, and decline engagements we cannot manage impartially. Where a commercial relationship is relevant to a piece of published research, we disclose it.
Commissioning a project
To discuss a market-research brief, visit our market-research service or contact us at enquiries@internationalresearchinstitute.org. Every engagement is set out in a written agreement that reflects the principles above.