As a public affairs expert, you sometimes wonder how technology could help you influence a particular legislative dossier or perhaps even take over some of the tasks. Like how some claim that ChatGPT is able to draft an amendment or a position paper. Does it really?
Here are 10 questions - and answers - we have gathered about innovation in the field of public affairs and government relations:
How has technology changed the landscape of public affairs and government relations? Name some innovative tools currently being used in policy management. In recent years, technology has significantly transformed the landscape of public affairs and government relations by enabling real-time monitoring of policy changes, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and providing tools for data analysis and visualisation. Real-time updates in policy monitoring have enabled public affairs professionals to stay informed as things happen, allowing them to respond promptly and effectively. Innovative AI-driven platforms like SAVOIRR provide well-organised and reliable information, predictive analytics for anticipating policy changes, and collaborative platforms for team coordination.
Can technology be used in complex regulatory environments? The use of technology in complex regulatory environments like the EU has greatly enhanced the work of policy specialists. Practitioners are now able to better navigate through complicated processes, track regulatory changes across different jurisdictions, analyse the impact of regulations on business operations, and facilitate compliance management.
What about the area of engagement? Notwithstanding, technology has also been used to influence the policy-making process through social media campaigns, data-driven lobby efforts, and platforms that facilitate direct communication with policymakers.
How has policy monitoring evolved with the advent of AI and Machine Learning? AI and Machine Learning have helped to automate the tracking of policy developments and produce predictive analytics to anticipate future changes. Future policy developments can be predicted by analysing historical data and tracking current trends. Already, AI-driven tools like SAVOIRR are facilitating effective stakeholder engagement by identifying key stakeholders, analysing their behaviour and interests, and personalising communication strategies. The future of public affairs is likely to be increasingly digital, with AI playing a key role.
What about using technology to analyse public opinion and integrating the data into the regulatory discussions? Certainly! There are huge potentials in harnessing the power of AI. Machine learning algorithms can analyze public opinion on policies by processing large amounts of data from social media, surveys, and other sources to identify trends and sentiments. There are also huge risks involved, including cybersecurity and disinformation.
Are there any challenges faced by public affairs professionals in implementing these tech innovations in public affairs? For sure. These challenges include data privacy concerns, the need for technical skills, and resistance to change among traditional practitioners. Among these concerns, cybersecurity plays a crucial role by protecting sensitive information, ensuring the integrity of digital platforms, and building trust with stakeholders. This is why SAVOIRR strives to provide vault-level security for the platform and by its users.
How can digital platforms like SAVOIRR enhance collaboration within a team or with clients? Digital platforms like SAVOIRR enhance collaboration within a team or with clients by providing a shared workspace for information exchange, discussion boards for strategy development, and tools for task management and coordination.
How do RegTech tools like SAVOIRR impact the skill set of public affairs professionals? The modern public affairs specialist will, like many other professions, require basic tech skills such as data analysis. They need to be proficient in using digital collaboration tools, understand cybersecurity principles to ensure data protection and be social media savvy for effective online engagements. It is important for government relations professionals to keep themselves up-to-date with tech innovations as these can provide new ways to engage stakeholders, monitor policies, analyse data, manage teams etc, thereby enhancing effectiveness and efficiency.
How do you envision the evolution of tech innovations like SAVOIRR in shaping the future of public affairs and government relations? Tech innovations like SAVOIRR are shaping the future of public affairs and government relations by providing powerful instruments for stakeholder engagement, policy monitoring, team collaboration etc, thereby enabling professionals to work more effectively and strategically. It is the job of the specialists to enhance the quality of the policy outcomes, and technology should contribute to the enhancement of the quality.
Lastly, can technology increase accountability? The use of technology in government relations helps maintain transparency and accountability in public affairs practices by providing platforms for open communication with stakeholders and tools for tracking & reporting on lobbying activities.
