The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited VNG International to share its expertise on local authorities and development cooperation with the Ministry and other organisations. To this purpose the LOGO South programme was expanded to include policy development and research by VNG International. Themes in emphasis of VNG International’s policy development and research are: city diplomacy, local government in fragile states, accountability and policy dialogues, local governments and MDGs.

Another form of research, evaluations, is done mostly for Dutch municipalities. They ask VNG International to evaluate their international policy, or more specifically, their city links. These evaluations are financed partly by the municipalities themselves and partly through a grant of NCDO.