The European Communication Monitor is the longest-running academic study exploring the field of corporate communications. It has been conducted annually since 2007 and is known as the largest transnational study on strategic communication worldwide.

Since 2024, the ECM focuses on corporate communications in the business world. A random sample of 30 top leaders among the elite group of chief communication officers in the 300 largest companies headquartered in Europe is interviewed each year. In-depth insights based on statements, experiences, and forecasts from those shaping the future of the field provide unique insights into the current status and future developments of the field.

Living up to highest academic standards, this study is run by a network of leading research universities:

• Ansgar Zerfass, Prof. Dr., Leipzig University, Germany – Lead Researcher
• Ralph Tench, Prof. Dr., Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom
• Ángeles Moreno, Prof. Dr., University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
• Alexander Buhmann, Prof. Dr., BI Norwegian Business School, Oslo, Norway
• Stefania Romenti, Prof. Dr., IULM University, Milan, Italy
• Aurélie Laborde, Prof. Dr., Bordeaux Montaigne University, France

Study participants

A changing elite sample of 30 chief communication officers representing the top 300 listed and private companies in Europe is interviewed for each edition of the ECM. The studies are based on insights of CCOs from: 

Adidas, Allianz, Atlas Copco, AXA, BAE Systems, BBVA, Bank of Ireland, BASF, Bayer, BNP Paribas, Bosch, Carrefour, Deutsche Telekom, DHL, Diageo, EDF, Eni, Equinor, Erste Group Bank, Essity, Ferrero, Fnac Darty, Generali, Heineken, Henkel, IKEA, Imperial Brands, Inditex, ING, Intesa Sanpaolo, Lavazza, Lloyds Banking, L’Oreal, Lufthansa, Moeve, Møller-Maersk, Naturgy, Nestlé, Nokia, NorgesGruppen, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orange, PwC, Randstad, Renault, Repsol, Saint-Gobain, Sanofi, Santander, SAP, Siemens, Sonepar, SSE, Swiss Re, TietoEvry, Unilever, WPP