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Why organizations need to be interested in their political environment

Political decisions have a major influence on economic actors and their activities. They determine the framework for almost all areas and processes. This is done directly, for example through specifications regarding the nature of products or services - or indirectly through political objectives, such as binding national or European targets. Political discussions and processes accordingly harbor opportunities and risks. For example, you can create legal certainty in new areas, such as the Internet of Things, or ensure an ambitious approach in the environmental area, which promotes innovative technologies. However, political activities lead to burdens if the realities (costs, competitive pressure, innovative ability, etc.) are not sufficiently taken into account. Then the following applies: "The opposite of good is well-intentioned." Organizations that dismiss political processes as subordinate and concentrate purely on their commercial environment act negligently and against their own interests.

How organizations need to manage their political activities

In essence, organizations have two options for engaging in policy discussions and processes: observe and engage.

A functioning political early warning system ensures that organizations can adapt to political requirements in good time. Even though political processes are often protracted and the exact formulations are only available at the end, conclusions can be drawn in the course of the discussions: Are requirements in the area of IT security tightened, are there stricter requirements for financial products from Brussels? Organizations that are informed about upcoming framework conditions early on can position themselves accordingly and have an advantage over their competitors who do not have the relevant knowledge.

If an actor recognizes on the basis of the information obtained that pending political decisions will have negative consequences, she or he should use the opportunities to actively contribute to the political discussions and clearly communicate why certain proposed political solutions are not expedient. Representation of interests and lobbying on one's own behalf are completely legitimate and are just as much a part of an industrial company as an association or a social group.

Political Audits

Companies that are planning to enter the market or want to market a new technology or service need a complete overview of the existing regulatory and political environment and ongoing or upcoming political processes and decisions that have an impact on their planned activities.

We offer comprehensive political analyses for this task. These convey the framework conditions under which your planned activities take place, what needs to be considered and what political changes are expected in the coming months. These analyses form an integral part of the decision-making basis as to whether and how your planned business activities are to be implemented.

Case studies:

Political analyses of new EU proposals in the field of digitization and the political debate about the introduction of a digital service tax.
Influence of European climate policy and the measures to reduce emissions on the Japanese automotive industry.
Effects of political initiatives on German energy policy on the renewable energy sectors.

Advocacy

The way you approach your political relationships and activities has a huge impact on whether you will succeed. The aim of participating in political discussions and processes is to assert your own political interests.

This includes the development of strategies and political materials, as well as the concrete positioning of your concerns in Berlin and Brussels - be it through statements, discussions with politicians or direct dialogue with opinion leaders, the media and allies. In addition to working out the content of your concerns and "translating them into the political", we establish the necessary contacts, prepare and follow-up your communication with politics and stakeholders, and accompany you on the political level.

Case studies:

Advocacy measures for a US company in the context of the debate about the national IT security law.
Public affairs management for a medium-sized association from the food sector on the national level in Berlin.
Political representation of interests and stakeholder management for an international metal association at European level in Brussels.

Workshops & seminars

Current developments such as digitization, the energy transition, climate policy and Covid-19 pose major challenges for organizations. From the regional to the international level, they are confronted with new developments that have a direct impact on their activities. Recognizing and understanding these and making the right conclusions for one's own actions in the political arena is of great importance.

We offer various educational formats for associations, foundations and companies. The focus is on imparting practical knowledge. These formats take place as face-to-face events and digitally.