Bootcamp: Effective Strategies in Public Affairs, Lobbying, and Advocacy in the Business Environment

February 20th | ISEG Executive Education

Support: ISEG Executive Education & Political Intelligence

With Rita Serrabulho – Managing Partner | Political Intelligence Portugal & André Santos Pereira – Associate Director | Political Intelligence Portugal

Takeaways

• 90% of the surveyed companies consider that the political environment has a significant impact on financial performance.
• “I lost three clients in the communications sector. Why? Because they didn’t want to be associated with a lobbyist. Ten years ago, there was a very negative connotation.” – Rita Serrabulho
• When economic agents and civil society are closer to political decision-makers, public policies are more likely to align with real needs.
• Advocacy does not only influence public policy; it also shapes public opinion.
• It is essential to build a legislator’s profile:
  • Their voting record on institutional documents
  • Their stance on key issues
  • Their professional background
  • All of this is crucial for developing a well-rounded profile
• “Through lobbying, we shift from being reactive to proactive: we set the agenda for debates, produce information, and present it to legislators.”
• “The Portuguese Parliament has made slow progress, with advances and setbacks, in regulating the legitimate representation of interests.”
• “The more effectively you engage in dialogue and position yourself on various issues, the more likely you are to be consulted by legislators when decisions are made.”
• “It is not a good approach for a company to say, ‘I will not meet with a political decision-maker just for the sake of it.’ It is important, and companies should actively engage.”
• “Public Affairs should be a continuous practice, not just something we turn to when we seek change.”
• “We are 10 years behind in adopting this practice. Portuguese companies are still not fully aware of the importance of Public Affairs.”
• The Importance of Regulation
• 63% of European countries have regulations in place for lobbying activities.
• Why is it important to regulate lobbying for society as a whole?
  • It enhances transparency
  • It promotes broader participation in the legislative process
  • It increases business confidence in conducting their activities
• During the 2024 legislative elections, all political parties included proposals for lobbying regulation in their manifestos.
• “We believe that discussions on these proposals will begin as early as next month. The process could be finalized by the third quarter.”
• “The key is to debate proposals, approve them, secure presidential promulgation, and implement the regulation!”

Program:

• Fundamentals and Trends: A Quick Contextualization
• Current Scenario
• Stakeholder Mapping
• Data Use and Digital Advocacy
• Stories
• Open Discussion for Questions and Experience Sharing Among Participants