Public affairs is a field that is enjoying growing interest from companies, industry associations and other interest groups. This is not surprising, because a good relationship with public administration increases the chance of effectively influencing policy and therefore the success of the organisation.

 

A decade ago Ergo started developing a model for research among politicians, administrators and civil servants at national, regional and local levels. Since then, this model has been successfully applied to a large number of organizations. The research offers indications for optimising the relationship with these important stakeholders. It shows clients how they are positioned with government agencies and to what extent their strategies and tactics are effective in advocacy of their interests.

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The research is typically conducted in the form of in-depth interviews at the stakeholders' workplace. During the interviews, it is discussed how politicians and officials assess the client "as an organization" and why. Furthermore the concrete co-operation relationship with the commissioning organisation is discussed, as well as the (policy-related and communicative) improvements that are desirable to strengthen the relationship with the political-administrative target group.

 

Ergo has conducted research among politicians and civil servants for the following organisations:

 

• Alliander

• ANWB

• Doctors without Borders

• BOVAG

• Cordaid

• Eneco

• ENGIE

• Energie-Nederland

• Dutch Railways

• RAI Association

• RDW

• Staatsbosbeheer