About the research project
In 2018, we tasked ourselves with improving our understanding of CEO communication and the future role of the trusted communication advisor.
From both theoretical and practical perspectives, we have observed the increasing importance of CEO communication. Internally, the CEO must set a clear direction and enable optimum engagement at a time when most companies and organizations are experiencing massive and radical transformation. Externally, the CEO needs to navigate the increasing demands of being a responsible company, being compliant in an environment calling for more and more transparency, and meet the growing requirements of stakeholders and the media. The rise of digitization and the proliferation of platforms and channels have enabled a variety of stakeholder group to be more active and engaged, both internally and externally.
That calls for a deeper understanding of CEO communication and what kind of communications advice is needed – and which characteristics will be most essential for future communications advisors working with top management. This is was this research project is all about.

Read more about The research process.
Co-creation and the new research value chain
In this research project we apply a system of co-creation for research, through which we aim to actively collaborate with practitioners, create new knowledge and expand our understanding together. Our goal is to establish a knowledge-creating relationship where both practitioners and researchers are engaged in a joint endeavor to identify, analyze and develop solutions for relevant real-world problems and dilemmas.
We do this by involving practitioners in the new research value chain where both researchers and practitioners employ their respective knowledge when discussing research questions, data, analyses and future practices during workshops and meetings.