Frequently Asked Questions

The mission of Govonos is to advance governance research, foster academic dialogue, and contribute to the development of new conceptual frameworks capable of addressing emerging institutional challenges.

No. Govonos is not a university and does not confer academic degrees. It operates as an independent research institute dedicated to research, publication, dialogue, and intellectual transmission.

Govonos describes itself as an ex ante institution because it focuses on questions, concepts, and governance challenges before they become formal regulations, standards, or established academic disciplines.

Behavioural governance studies how governance structures influence behaviour, decision-making, accountability, and institutional outcomes before failure occurs.

Governance observability explores how governance processes, commitments, and institutional behaviour can become more visible, understandable, and measurable beyond traditional reporting mechanisms.

Pre-standard foundations refer to the conceptual and methodological work that often precedes the emergence of formal standards, regulations, or recognised disciplines.

Tangible governance is the foundational field of inquiry from which Govonos emerged. It explores how governance principles can become increasingly observable, measurable, transmissible, and operationally meaningful.

Govonos publishes research essays, working papers, reports, manifestos, and other scholarly contributions through its editorial function, IG Editions.

The Working Paper Series is a research publication programme intended to support academic dialogue and the development of emerging governance studies.

The Scientific Committee provides academic guidance and methodological oversight for the Institute's research activities.

The Scientific Committee is chaired by Gérard Hirigoyen, internationally recognised scholar in governance and family business research.

Yes. Govonos welcomes collaboration with universities, research centres, scholars, foundations, and institutions interested in governance research and related fields.

Yes. The Institute encourages dialogue and collaboration with researchers, practitioners, and independent scholars whose work contributes to the advancement of governance studies.

No. Govonos is independent of political parties, governments, religious organisations, and commercial interests.

No. Govonos does not issue standards, certifications, or regulatory requirements. Its role is to contribute to research and conceptual development that may inform future governance frameworks.

Pascal Berchem is the founder of Govonos and the originator of many of the concepts explored by the Institute. Govonos serves as the research and validation pillar of the broader ecosystem. Exanteon is an independent operational organisation focused on practical implementation and real-world governance solutions.

Yes. As independent organisations with distinct missions, Govonos and Exanteon may collaborate on research, publications, pilot projects, and intellectual exchange while maintaining separate institutional responsibilities.

Govonos welcomes discussions with individuals, foundations, family offices, philanthropic organisations, universities, and institutions interested in supporting its long-term research mission.

The Endowment programme helps ensure the long-term continuity, independence, and sustainability of the Institute's research, publications, and educational activities.

Govonos is based in Geneva, Switzerland, a jurisdiction chosen for its tradition of institutional neutrality and its concentration of governance bodies. Correspondence details are listed on the Contact page.