Funding & Transparency

HCSS is a knowledge institute that conducts independent research. Our goal is to offer fact-based analysis of the challenges that our societies face in order to inform public discourse, public and private strategic decision making and contribute to international and national security in accordance with liberal democratic values. We typically conduct our research at the intersection of scientific research and strategic policy for governments, international organisations, and NGOs. We also offer analytical support to inform private sector strategic planning processes. Our work is funded through contract research, through research grants and we also develop our own initiatives.

Our fact-based analysis is intended to generate strategy and policy relevant insights that inform real world decisions. To further this cause, we conduct both basic and applied research, we host public and closed-door events, and we convene and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to further our own thinking and to stimulate debate on the pressing issues of our time. We are not linked to any political party nor beholden to any external corporate or national interests.

HCSS adheres to the ethical principles of independence, accountability, transparency and research integrity. Although other ethical principles may apply, these four principles are relevant for our knowledge institute, given our core mission and activities. The principles are clarified in terms of the standards that HCSS upholds and specified by practices that HCSS adheres to, which is subject to independent external audit. The principles, standards and practices are spelled out in this document.

HCSS Management team

The current management team, consisting of Paul Sinning (Executive Director), Michel Rademaker (Deputy Director), Frank Bekkers (Director of the Security Programme), Tim Sweijs (Director of Research), Laura Birkman (Director of the Climate, Water, and Food Security Programme) and Gerben Bakker (Director of the National Security Programme) has 100% ownership of HCSS shares.

HCSS Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board consists of highly experienced professionals who contribute their expertise and insights to help shape HCSS’s strategic direction and reflect on the future of think tanks. Advisory Board members serve on a voluntary basis. The members of our Advisory Board are not HCSS-affiliated experts. We are therefore not able to assist with media or contact requests.

Erik Akerboom

Erik Akerboom

© The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies