The IRSP is proud to have worked with a diverse range of partners across the years, and some examples of former partnerships and project highlights are;

Dutch Embassy in Moldova & Expert Group (2024-2025)

Subject: Moldova's Energy Transition

In 2024, a team of IRSP researchers started researching how Moldova could reduce its reliance on Russian Energy. By comparing policy frameworks and financing models across Europe, they identified strategies for energy diversification and renewable integration. Their final policy brief laid the foundation for a 5-10 year national roadmap, with specific recommendations on how Moldova could leverage EU, IMF, and World Bank funding.

Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2023-2024) 

Subject: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain in the Baltics

In partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, researchers examined how the Netherlands could help address talent outflow from the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The project focused on how Dutch foreign policy could promote sustainable talent circulation through business cooperation, academic partnerships, and research-industry links. Their recommendations focused on concrete policy adjustments the Netherlands could implement to strengthen academic exchange, support Baltic innovation ecosystems, and foster healthy solutions for both labour market needs and migration.

Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (2023-2024)

Subject: Civil Society & SDG 16 in South Sudan

IRSP collaborated with the CSPPS (Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding) to explore the role of local organisations in supporting peace, justice, and strong institutions in South Sudan. The research addressed challenges such as resource constraints and political restrictions, especially in the run-up to national elections. Based on interviews and policy analysis, the team proposed practical ways to support civil society in fragile contexts.

Bellingcat (2018-2019)

Subject: Investigative Pluralism & The White Helmets

In collaboration with Bellingcat, a Netherlands-based investigative journalism group, IRSP students examined the online information campaign targeting the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets. Using discourse analysis and open-source investigation techniques, the team analysed media narratives to assess whether the campaign could be classified as disinformation.

The research identified key themes, sources, and actors involved, and offered concrete recommendations on how to counter such campaigns. This project highlights the value of investigative pluralism and the critical role of evidence-based analysis in navigating today's information landscape.

Embassy of Rwanda (2010-2011)

Subject: Enhancing Dutch Investment in Rwanda

In 2011, IRSP partnered with the Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague to investigate how to attract more Dutch foreign direct investment (FDI) to Rwanda. Researchers travelled to Kigali to identify promising sectors and assess investment opportunities and barriers. Their final report offered strategic recommendations on how the Embassy could position Rwanda as an appealing destination for Dutch investment.

Through these collaborations, IRSP researchers have worked across sectors including economic policy, diplomacy, international development, migration, and corporate strategy. Each partnership demonstrates our commitment to producing evidence-based insights that inform policy, foster innovation, and contribute to positive global change.

For more information about our former partners and examples of research papers, please consult the archive.