Who we are

We are a leading research consultancy in international relations and digital influence. Based in London, we have a global network of distinguished experts and practitioners, which ensures breadth, depth, and multiple perspectives.

What we do

We specialise in helping our clients to develop policies and strategies for international dialogue, exchange, partnerships, reputational security and influence through:

  • Research services for clients, drawing on our unique expertise, rigorous and innovative methods, respect for evidence, and efficient research management.

  • Digital influence: consultancy, analysis, and strategy advice as a founding member of the Digital Influence and Intelligence Lab (DIIL).

  • Strategies for engagement: strategic partnerships, and programmes.

  • Public policy engagement and events.

  • Publish original research and contribute to thinking on international engagement.

How we work

We are a small organisation with a unique global network of international experts from academia and practice. We are committed to meeting clients’ needs while maintaining high standards of research integrity and ethics. We convene specialist and diverse teams from our network to address the specific requirements of each project. We use established research methods and innovative digital tools to reduce costs, extend our scope, and capacity.

Clients

  • British Council

  • Embassy of Finland in London

  • EU National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC)

  • European External Action Service

  • Institut für Auslandbeziehungen

  • Japan House London

  • Johann Gutenberg University, Mainz

  • Scottish Government

  • University of Edinburgh

  • University of London

  • University of London Institute in Paris

  • University of Warwick

  • Wellcome Trust

Networks and affiliations

  • Centre for Online and Distance Education (CODE), University of London

  • Climate Heritage Network

  • CREDO, Università di Siena

  • Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL)

  • Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh

  • ICRRA: International Cultural Relations Research Alliance

  • Public Diplomacy Council of America

  • RSA: Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce

Testimonials

  • “ICR Research is an important and valued partner for the British Council, bringing their great insight and understanding to the task of unravelling what cultural relations and soft power actually are, and their importance to the practice of international relations. I have now worked on several projects with ICR and have always found Stuart and the team to be a great source of fresh thinking and constructive challenge. Whether it is getting to grips with the implications of digital technologies for analogue organisations or the opportunities for co-operation between ‘competing’ international cultural relations institutions, ICR Research have provided essential data and advice to inform British Council thinking and strategy.”

    — Alistair MacDonald, Senior Soft Power Analyst at the British Council

  • “ICR Research did excellent high-level research, drawing on their extensive international networks, and helping to create high quality and engaging events. I worked extensively with them and could have not asked for a better working relationship. ICR Research always delivered, acted very professionally, and provided prompt service. I would recommend them for all research, strategy, and public engagement projects.”

    — Dr. Tim Gore OBE, CEO of the University of London Institute in Paris

  • ICR Research’s Benchmarking Study on behalf of Japan House London brought evidenced-based analysis of both performance and potential. As a cultural “start-up” on the London scene, our understanding of how we were doing needed to extend beyond conventional KPIs. ICR Research’s comparative methodology provided a nuanced approach attuned to articulating cultural impact, reputation-building, and the effectiveness of a new model for cultural diplomacy. The work also provided clear and creative signposts towards building an enduring legacy.

    — Michael Houlihan, Director General, Japan House, London

Our history

ICR Research started out as a full-time consultancy in 2017 and was then known as SYM Consulting. The Founder, Stuart MacDonald, built the business after establishing the interdisciplinary Centre for Cultural Relations at the University of Edinburgh, and after having worked as a senior policy adviser in education, culture and international relations for the UK government for more than 20 years. The organization has developed fast and today ICR Research has a strong international reputation, extensive global networks, major partnerships, and a track record of successful delivery.