Development Strategy for the Frontiers Research Foundation
Project Period: 2025-ongoing | Client: Frontiers Research Foundation | Geography: Global
Culture of Business was commissioned by the Frontiers Research Foundation to review the funding strategy of the Frontiers Planet Prize. The Prize was established in 2022 and since then has grown in stature and reputation. After three years, the Prize management wanted to reassess its options and set up a Development Group to make suggestions about future directions and fund-raising options. Culture of Business assumed leadership of the Development Group.
To produce this strategy review, we conducted a series of interviews with each member of the Development Group, the leadership of Frontiers, and key external stakeholders. We read previous market research conducted by members of the Frontiers team, Frontiers Prize promotional materials, and external research about accelerating the translation of scientific research. We conducted a questionnaire to gather the prize winners' opinions about the future of the Prize. Finally, upon approval of the board, we led the project implementation.
A Strategy for UNDP Fair Business Programme in ASEAN
Project Period: 2019-2022 | Client: UNDP | Geography: ASEAN
In our capacity as Business Integrity Advisor to UNDP's Promoting a Fair Business Environment in ASEAN, Culture of Business devised a new go-to-market strategy. Following extensive consultations with the international team based in Bangkok, we restructured the projects into six categories which were those areas of maximum risk to local business. In our capacity as leader of the UNDP's Private Sector Advisory Group, we proceeded to implement the strategy with the executive team, introducing international business standards to ASEAN companies for the first time.
A Strategy for FCDO's Responsible Business Programme
Project Period: 2024 | Client: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, UK | Geography: Global
The UK government's November 2023 White Paper on International Development included an ambitious goal to improve responsible and inclusive business practices in global supply chains, addressing critical ESG issues.
The FCDO commissioned a team of technical experts to design the Responsible and Inclusive Business Programme. With Culture of Business as content lead, a team of 14 consultants conducted a comprehensive evidence review across four potential focus areas. Through rigorous options appraisal and theory of change methodology, we developed a strategic case with clear pathways to impact.
From an extensive longlist, we delivered four shortlisted projects optimised for impact and value for money: support for disability employment centres in the garments industry, promotion of responsible mine closure practices in critical minerals, programmes tackling violence against women and girls in both sectors, and creation of a cross-cutting Responsible Business Knowledge Hub.