Regulating government affairs: Integrating lobbying research and policy concerns

Abstract

Lobbying has never been as sophisticated, complex, and well-funded as it is today. Significantly, interest group strategies are more advanced than the regulatory practices meant to contain them. This raises concerns about states' ability to resist unwanted influence from interest groups. How can government regulations be brought up to speed to address 21st-century lobbying practices? We argue that there are three critical dimensions to focus on: (i) regulatory consolidation; (ii) system interoperability; and (iii) open-source implementation. These aspects address the need for better coordination within jurisdictions, cooperation across systems, and effective use of public resources. Developing future regulations along these lines can help policy to leap-ahead interest groups; while limiting unwanted adverse effects on states' administrative efficiency and political legitimacy. In doing so, we provide a constructive roadmap forward in the field, linking common discussions between researchers, policymakers, and policy stakeholders.