Areas of transformation.
Our research areas are not separate agendas but connected dimensions of a single question: how societies, economies, and institutions adapt to global change. Studies frequently span several of them at once.
- 01Migration & Human Mobility
- 02Labour Markets & Economic Development
- 03Governance & Public Institutions
- 04Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation
- 05Health & Society
- 06Sustainability & Environmental Systems
- 07Education, Skills & Human Capital
- 08Innovation & Economic Resilience
- 09International Development & Cooperation
- 10International & Comparative Research
Comparative research: how adaptation differs across contexts.
Having historically concentrated on research within Switzerland, the institute is entering a new phase of international expansion through research partnerships, comparative studies, and multidisciplinary projects conducted across multiple countries.
Depending on the study design, we work with academic partners, local researchers, subject matter experts, and field teams so that data collection reflects local context while instruments and protocols remain methodologically consistent.
Programmes are designed from the outset to produce comparable data across settings, enabling genuine cross-country analysis of what drives successful adaptation — rather than parallel national reports.
Taking part in a study.
Understanding adaptation requires evidence from the people and organisations experiencing it. Many studies therefore involve individuals, organisations, or stakeholder groups as respondents or informants.
Participation may involve interviews, surveys, focus groups, workshops, or longitudinal data collection, depending on the research design.
Participants receive full information on the purpose of the study, data handling and confidentiality, and what participation involves, before providing consent. Compensation is provided where appropriate.