The results of Interel’s first annual survey of the global public affairs industry are now available.
The CEOs of the 35 independent public affairs consultancies which make up our global network responded, giving us fantastic insight into the opportunities and challenges for the public affairs industry over the next 12 months.
The survey points to an industry which is confident and in good health. Our industry is growing globally and hiring. And business is seeking out more public affairs support to deal with increased political risk.
Key take aways include:
- Growth in the industry is being driven by a combination of more regulation, increased political risk and changing demands from business.
- 45% of respondents say that business is very concerned about increasing political risk, while 55% of businesses are somewhat concerned
- 88% say this represents a stark change in attitude following the financial crisis.
- 89% of respondents say that the amount of regulation affecting business in their market has increased with governments taking a more short term approach. 60% believe this is making it more difficult to do business.
- Only 18% say regulation is making it easier to do business around the world.
- Globalisation and changing technology is also driving increased need for public affairs engagement
- And some 48% of respondents say that governments have become more susceptible to global trends in the last 5 years.
