Independent Research for Better Governance

In service of a more perfect union.

Independent Research for Better Governance

In service of a more perfect union.

BGI advances transparency and accountability through independent research on effective governance and public policy design. We develop evidence-based frameworks, tools, and educational resources to help institutions better serve shared public needs and the long-term public interest, rather than narrow or private interests.

BGI advances transparency and accountability through independent research on effective governance and public policy design. We develop evidence-based frameworks, tools, and educational resources to help institutions better serve shared public needs and the long-term public interest, rather than narrow or private interests.

What we do

Research & Analysis

Standards & Frameworks

Civic Education

Institutional Design & Reform

Public Accountability Infrastructure

Current Projects & Initiatives

BGI’s projects and initiatives focus on strengthening governance quality through independent research, standards development, and public education. These efforts address gaps in public policy analysis and governance design by producing evidence-based frameworks, data, and analytical resources that inform public discourse and institutional decision-making.

Independent & Corruption-Free Certification

(ICFC)

Status: Research and Development

The Independent & Corruption-Free Certification (ICFC) is BGI’s standards-based integrity framework for ethical public leadership. ICFC defines clear, evidence-informed benchmarks related to transparency, accountability, conflicts of interest, and anti-corruption practices.

Policy-Development

Status: Research

Producing evidence-based policy frameworks and governance models that can be examined, debated, and applied by public institutions and civic leaders. This work emphasizes governance improvements—including transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and anti-corruption measures—and approaches complex policy challenges through nonpartisan, common-ground analysis. The goal is to elevate public discourse and support governance solutions that address systemic problems in the public interest. 

Governance Innovation

Status: Research

Researching, evaluating, and specifying modern governance innovations that can be examined and applied by public institutions and public officials. These include civic technologies (AI-powered polling synthesis and blockchain transparency ledgers, e.g.,), civic assemblies, new models of participatory governance, and systems designed to strengthen accountability and authentic representation.

Current Projects & Initiatives

BGI’s projects and initiatives focus on strengthening governance quality through independent research, standards development, and public education. These efforts address gaps in public policy analysis and governance design by producing evidence-based frameworks, data, and analytical resources that inform public discourse and institutional decision-making.

Independent & Corruption-Free Certification

(ICFC)

Status: Research and Development

The Independent & Corruption-Free Certification (ICFC) is BGI’s standards-based integrity framework for ethical public leadership. ICFC defines clear, evidence-informed benchmarks related to transparency, accountability, conflicts of interest, and anti-corruption practices.

Policy-Development

Status: Research

Producing evidence-based policy frameworks and governance models that can be examined, debated, and applied by public institutions and civic leaders. This work emphasizes governance improvements—including transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and anti-corruption measures—and approaches complex policy challenges through nonpartisan, common-ground analysis. The goal is to elevate public discourse and support governance solutions that address systemic problems in the public interest. 

Governance Innovation

Status: Research

Researching, evaluating, and specifying modern governance innovations that can be examined and applied by public institutions and public officials. These include civic technologies (AI-powered polling synthesis and blockchain transparency ledgers), civic assemblies, new models of participatory governance, and systems designed to strengthen accountability and authentic representation.

Support the Work

A healthier democracy doesn’t happen by accident. It takes research, experimentation, and sustained civic engagement. Your contribution helps BGI do the long-term work required to build more transparent, accountable governance.

Better Governance Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and education organization recognized as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. BGI does not endorse candidates, contribute to political campaigns, or engage in electoral coordination.

All research and educational work is conducted independently and is guided by evidence, transparency, and ethical standards. In accordance with federal law, BGI does not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of—or in opposition to—any candidate for public office. BGI exists to strengthen governance systems and public accountability, not to advance partisan or electoral agendas.

Copyrights 2025 | Better Governance Institute