Against the backdrop of debates on the culture of remembrance in Germany, companies, foundations, and organizations are showing increasing interest in their own history. A thorough scholarly examination is essential to seriously address questions about their past and its implications for the present, and to ensure transparency.

As a non-university research institution, we are committed to a scholarly approach to the study of economic, corporate, and contemporary history. The following principles apply to our work—regardless of the project:

Studies on Historical Analysis

• are produced according to a scholarly concept that meets the quality standards and methods of modern corporate historiography.
• address scholarly questions that situate the company’s history within its historical context.
• are authored by established (and experienced) scholars.
• take into account the current scholarly research literature.
• systematically evaluate all available sources and critically assess them in light of the scholarly research question.
• include a scholarly apparatus of notes that identifies sources and research literature.
• remain verifiable through the most comprehensive accessibility possible of the sources used.
• are always written with scholarly independence: The clients have no influence on the scholarly concept, research, or drafting of the studies.