The International Integrated Reporting Framework: Key Issues and Future Research Opportunities

This paper has three main aims. First, the paper introduces the concept of integrated reporting (< IR >) as described by the I nternational I ntegrated R eporting C ouncil ( IIRC ). A background to the development of the < IR > concept over the 4‐year period from the inception of the IIRC in 2010 is provided, culminating in the release by the IIRC of a C onsultation D raft ( CD ) of the < IR > framework in M arch 2013. Second, the paper discusses key issues currently being debated relating to the CD that the IIRC will need to resolve prior to the expected release of their < IR > framework in late 2013. This discussion is based on issues identified and reported to the IIRC by a subcommittee of the I nternational A ssociation for A ccounting E ducation and R esearch ( IAAER ) comprised of international accounting academics. Finally, the paper identifies a range of potential research issues relating to the development and implementation of < IR >.