Proposed Research Projects

Innovative research begins here — turning bold ideas into actionable intelligence that fuels transformation and empowers the accounting profession to lead what’s next.

Our research agenda is driven by our community of transformation agents and our stakeholders. Unlike the larger research institutions, our research is focused on small and mid-sized business and nonprofits. We strive to provide actionable intelligence that can be easily applied by “non-techie” practitioners who seek to make better informed business decisions.

Listed below are the projects that have made it through our project selection process and are awaiting full funding. If you contribute to the funding of a project, you will usually gain early access to the work products as well as not having to pay the full retail price for the final product or service(s) created by the research once it is publicly available.

The Questions Defining What’s Next

Our research agenda is focused on the issues shaping the future of the profession, from talent and culture to technology, economics, and firm strategy. Each initiative is grounded in a real challenge the profession is facing today and designed to uncover insights that can help organizations make better decisions tomorrow.

Talent and Workforce

In the area of talent and workforce, we are exploring how the accounting talent pipeline is evolving as emerging pathways, alternative credentials, and firm-led development models reshape traditional routes into the profession. We are also examining how belonging, culture, and employee experience influence retention—recognizing that keeping talent is no longer simply an HR issue, but a strategic business priority tied directly to firm stability and long-term growth.

Firm Strategy & Economics

Across firm strategy and economics, we are examining the evolution of pricing, value, growth models, ownership structures, and service offerings. As traditional billing models become increasingly misaligned with the value firms provide, and as firms navigate more complex paths to growth, strategic decisions in these areas will play a defining role in future competitiveness and sustainability.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Success for Accounting Firms

What are the critical elements of a good DE&I program? How do you achieve DE&I when you’re in an area that doesn’t have a lot of diversity? How do you know your DE&I program is achieving the impact that you want? What metrics should be used to measure the success of your DE&I program?

Performance Management Software Ecosystem

What are all the key business processes and categories of systems that organizations should be considering when looking at the whole picture of financial, people, and operations management? How do we use the data from these systems to correlate financial and non-financial metrics and drive better overall organizational performance?

Technology & AI

Within technology and AI, our research looks at what separates firms that successfully integrate AI from those that struggle to realize value from their investments. We are also studying the next phase of firm technology—how organizations can move beyond automation alone and begin turning systems, processes, and data into actionable insight and strategic advantage.

Simplified Blockchain for Supply Chain Management for Small Businesses and Their Suppliers

Walmart and other big companies have demonstrated the value of private blockchains with extensive supply chains and expense ERP systems. Can these operational models be “right sized” for small businesses and their suppliers? How do we address the diversity of accounting systems used by these businesses?

How to Engage

These research initiatives are designed to be collaborative. Organizations and firms can engage in several ways depending on their goals, priorities, and level of interest. Some may choose to sponsor a study that aligns with a strategic area of focus. Others may contribute data and insights through surveys, interviews, or case studies. Some may collaborate as industry partners to help shape the direction of the research, while others may choose to pilot findings within their own organizations.

For research partners, the value goes beyond visibility. Participation provides early access to findings and insights, opportunities for amplification through the Center and CPA Trendlines platforms, alignment with forward-looking thought leadership, and the ability to help shape conversations that will influence the future of the profession.

Why this Work Matters

This is a moment when the profession needs more than commentary. It needs research that is grounded in reality, shaped by collaboration, and built to support action. The challenges facing accounting are complex, but they also present opportunities for firms and leaders willing to engage with what is changing and why.

By contributing to or following this work, organizations can gain insight into emerging trends, participate in defining important questions, and help move the profession toward more informed, future-ready solutions.

We are still accepting support for these projects, and there are many ways that you can do so including:

  • Participate in any of our active surveys and focus groups to gather and interpret data.
  • Attend courses and participate in the polls or course surveys to help validate findings or be part of the wisdom of the crowd.
  • If you have the ability to reach an audience, become a Research Ally and help to promote our research to others. You can also become an Education Ally and help promote Center courses to others.
  • Apply to be part of the Working Groups to craft research studies or analyze results to identify recommendations.
  • Help fund research that is meaningful to you and amplify your brand awareness via either sponsorship or contribution to the Center’s research fund.

If you aren’t sure what is the best path for you, or if you have an idea for a different way that you can contribute to our research efforts, please contact us at insights@improvetheworld.net.