Research
The INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise is dedicated to advancing research and generating new knowledge that enhances the long-term performance, resilience, and sustainability of family enterprises to thrive across generations. By combining rigorous academic research with practice-based insights, the Centre seeks to address the evolving challenges and emerging opportunities faced by family businesses in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
Publication Highlights
New Study on “Building Together: Partnership Capital as a Growth Catalyst for Midcap Founder- and Family-Led Businesses”
Defending the Throne: The Influence of Performance Feedback on CEO Succession in Family-Controlled Firms
Exploratory innovation: A new perspective on family firms' under-diversification puzzle
Applied Research Studies
Our applied studies complement our research by gaining insights on pertinent issues relevant to family business.
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Explore the Collection of Applied Studies
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Building Together: Partnership Capital as a Growth Catalyst for Midcap Founder- and Family-Led Businesses - June 2026
Joint research study by INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise in collaboration with 65 Equity Partners
Drawing upon quantitative analysis of more than 19,000 founder- and family-led enterprises acorss nine countries with in-depth interviews with business leaders and private market investors, the report explores the untapped growth potential and strategic scaling opportunities for midcap founder- and family-led enterprises across global economies, revealing the rise of "partnership capital" as a growth catalyst.
Good for Business, Business for Good Compass - January 2023
Joint research study by INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise in collaboration with UBS and INSEAD Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society
The embodiment of the four distinct family business elements - longevity, loyalty, values, and involvement sets family firms in an influential position to drive positive impact on society. The practical guide highlighted how leading family businesses drive the business for good agenda and through sharing their success stories, how they overcome their challenges and the practical steps and lessons learnt in their impact journeys, we hope the Compass will inspire others to drive their companies towards positive impact.
Making External Executives Successful in Family Businesses - December 2022
Joint research study by INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise in collaboration with PwC and AvS - International Trusted Advisors
The purpose of the study is to understand the reasons family businesses hire external executives and their experiences in doing so. More specifically, we aimed to understand how these executives are recruited, how they are integrated into the company and how their relationship with the family develops. A second survey was launched to understand the impact of Covid-19 on family businesses.
