Insights

Insights

We are on the cutting-edge of communications, politics and policy — inside the Beltway and around the world. See our fresh takes on disruptions, innovations and impact in public affairs.

As the 2024 campaigns accelerate in the U.S. elections, we surveyed American consumers and employees on the role of business in national elections. The findings shine a light on the shifting landscape of public opinion at the intersection of business and politics.

On International Women’s Day, as half of the global population prepares to vote in an election in 2024, we wonder what will the results mean for gender equality and the advancement of women and girls?

This is the first installment of our ‘Spearheading a Net-Zero Energy Future’ series on the energy trends shaping the policy and climate agenda where our energy team speaks to experts to provide insights and perspectives around the future of energy.

Powell Tate’s report Leading at the Intersections 2024 covers six of the most front-and-center issues that impact businesses across all sectors, including AI, geopolitics and the 2024 elections. See our perspectives on 2024.

In this first issue of AI Policy Pulse of 2024, our experts across the globe gathered to provide an easy-to-digest snapshot of major developments in AI regulations in the past couple of months, focusing on U.S., E.U., and Davos.

Throughout the 2024 election cycle, our Global Elections Task Force will provide data-driven election insights, analysis, and real-time counsel. We’ll track political activity around the world, with particular focuses on the U.S., U.K., and the E.U.

To help make sense of the potential impacts of this year’s COP, our climate experts have developed the advisory COP28: The Road Ahead on Climate Communications in 2024, drawing on insights from across our global network.

This year’s Public Affairs Council’s STRIDE summit brought together social impact leaders to discuss breaking through a crowded issues-focused landscape, increasing skepticism towards ESG policies, and managing reputational risk.

To help businesses prepare for the heightened political landscape, we will be providing regular insights and counsel throughout the 2024 campaigns. Check out the first issue in the series: 2024 U.S. Elections Guidance for Companies.

At this year’s Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit, our panel examined the strategies that brands of all sizes are able to employ to create impactful influencer campaigns that resonate with new communities and yield impactful results. Read three take-aways.

AI regulation, collaboration and risk management actions are accelerating in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe. This edition of AI Policy Pulse provides an overview of recent events in Washington, D.C., London and Brussels.

Elaborately produced and packed with leaders in the healthcare tech space, this year’s HLTH attracted more than 10,000 participants eager to learn about cutting-edge solutions to today’s leading health concerns. Continue reading for a brief recap of the highlights.

The conference brought together some of the industry’s most prestigious B2B marketers across sectors to brainstorm groundbreaking strategies through vibrant discussions that are set to reshape the B2B marketing landscape.

This edition of Policy Matters takes a look at the politics and policies in play, including around the ongoing government funding negotiations and Speaker election, as well as what remains on the 2023 agenda in D.C.

The 18th G20 Summit concluded earlier this month with some monumental outcomes, including the African Union joining the bloc. As there were many critical geopolitical and global development issues discussed, we provide an easy-to-digest snapshot with five main takeaways of the New Delhi Declaration.

AI innovation and increasing public debate around both the opportunities and dangers of this technology is driving regulatory action around the world. Regulators are racing to write the definitive rules for AI. In this issue of AI Policy Pulse, we provide a snapshot of what’s in play now around the world.

Our latest national survey “Pulse on America: Public and Employee Opinions on Business and Societal Issues” sheds light on employees’ and consumers’ attitudes on corporate social engagement, the term “woke,” and recent rulings related to affirmative action and LGBTQ+ issues.

The rapid advancement of generative AI tools is capturing urgent attention from regulators and legislators around the world. As AI policymaking races to keep up with these fast-moving capabilities, we provide updates on what’s happening around the globe.

This edition of Policy Matters looks at key cases in the 2022-2023 term of SCOTUS, which concludes at the end of June. As with last year’s term, blockbuster cases are on the docket – and there have already been some notable decisions.

With over 70,000 anticipated participants and several global pre-COP events, this year’s UN’s climate summit COP 28 has already attracted attention across world leaders, corporations, and NGOs. Here are the topics to watch, and more.

To answer the question what is Responsible Marketing, we explore the key tenets of Responsible Marketing, how purpose-driven communicators and brands can apply them and the inspiring work that ensues when we use individuals’ expertise to their fullest.

AI has been making headlines across a wide variety of sectors, including healthcare and pharma. Keeping up with the evolution and use cases of AI is now a critical part of how global and public health practitioners should think about potential solutions for patient care.

This Policy Matters looks at some of the most divisive issues playing out at the state level in 2023. The outcomes of the 2023 state legislative session preview some of the issues that will dominate campaigns up and down the ballot in 2024.

World Water Day is a day that focuses on accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis, which has a major impact in many other SDG targets. This article highlights how companies can take action.

While companies are responding to the call of having zero tolerance for net zero greenwashing, there is evidence to suggest that organizations are overlooking an important internal watchdog — employees.

World Health Day is a global milestone to celebrate public health progress and call attention to urgent priorities. Our global experts share their perspectives on regional health priorities in 2023.

From geopolitics to cyberattacks to ESG, major trends are shaping our world. Our latest report explores these trends and raises some overarching questions for organizations and their leaders to consider.

AI is accelerating exponentially and dramatically changing how companies operate on a global scale. This article talks about how AI technologies are emerging in the public and private sectors and the major issues for policymakers.

Powell Tate’s report Leading at the Intersections 2023 provides actionable insights on some of the biggest issues of the moment, what to be watching for in 2023, plus some of our best thinking from the past year. 

This edition of Policy Matters provides an overview of the congressional oversight process and agenda, which has renewed relevance in the narrowly divided 118th Congress.

This year’s World Economic Forum brought together 3,000 government, business, and civil society decision-makers to address major global issues and priorities for 2023. Read the full report for insights and analysis of this year’s event.

We spoke to a range of experts to better understand the business transformation opportunity and the broader innovation imperative to achieve a net-zero future and protect vital natural capital in the era of climate change.

Our global Sustainability Task Force spoke to a range of experts to better understand the future of sustainable business and where leaders should focus to accelerate progress.

Our global Sustainability Task Force spoke to a range of experts to better understand why ESG disclosure matters and how alignment to relevant and reliable disclosure practices can help advance ESG as a strategic business driver.

Our global Sustainability Task Force spoke to a range of experts to discuss how CEOs and corporate leaders should define ESG strategically to drive business performance and impact.

This article summarizes the results of our latest pulse poll which found America continues to reckon with social and cultural aftershocks of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Powell Tate’s President Paul Massey writes on how The Weber Shandwick Collective’s newly launched advisory service Business & Society Futures will help clients meet a new standard of leadership.

In this fourth installment of our Sustainability Sensemaking series, we spoke with experts to discuss “climate justice” and “environmental justice”.

In preparation for the 118th Congress, a number of prominent issues stand to be top-of-mind for policymakers and brands alike. We’ve prepared briefs on various issues to help clients and organizations plan ahead. 

While many hoped COP27 would catalyze global momentum towards addressing the increasingly dire predictions of our warming climate, the outcome was once again flawed yet consequential for our world and our organizations — with clear implications for corporate communicators.

In this third installment of our Sustainability Sensemaking series, we spoke to a range of experts to better understand the changing dynamics of climate finance to fund the net-zero transition, support mitigation and adaptation strategies, and pay for loss and damage.

Foreign policy was not a determining factor in the U.S. midterm elections. The outcome is unlikely to shift the international priorities of the Biden administration as it confronts a fractured geopolitical landscape in 2023.

This edition of Policy Matters provides an overview of the results of the November 8 midterm elections as we know them today – from Congress to the states – even as a number of races remain too close or too early to call. 

Gathering for the Public Affairs Council board meeting last month, executives from the country’s largest corporations depicted a new era of business where nearly every dimension of their operations is beset by public affairs concerns.

The private sector has a vital role to play to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate and advance resilient solutions, yet, corporate climate commitments are dependent on an enabling policy environment. We spoke to experts to better understand the changing dynamics of public-private cooperation on climate issue.

This edition of Policy Matters provides an update on the November 8 midterm elections, involving state and local ballot measures, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats, 36 governorships and many state officials — from state legislators to secretaries of state.

As we work with clients to prepare for the 2022 midterm elections and a new Congress, Democrat Ashley Etienne and Republican Peter Carson crossed the proverbial aisle to talk about what issues and races they’re watching, their predictions and what to expect from the new Congress.

As world leaders prepare to gather for the annual UN Climate Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, November 6-18, we’re tracking the conversation and developments around this increasingly urgent, complex and nuanced moment.

As we emerge and recover from the pandemic, the focus in healthcare now is how to leverage our learnings from the pandemic and channel this level of collective effort toward other pressing public health challenges.

As UNGA, NY Climate Week and several other high-profile convenings happen this month, we created the Climate Spotlight 2022 briefing to provide an overview of recent trends and policy actions and look ahead to global climate diplomacy through the end of this year.

Employees and consumers are increasingly looking to businesses to help address societal issues, including mental health. 83% of respondents in a recent poll said it is important for companies to prioritize mental health and wellness of employees. This article explores how businesses and brands can get involved.

While U.S. is debating a series of technology policies, Europe is moving ahead to remake its digital regulatory landscape. The Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act are intended to address changes that have altered the EU’s digital economy in recent years.

From Inflation Reduction Act, National Gun Safety Legislation, to CHIPS and Science Act, the summer edition of Powell Tate Policy Matters focuses on some of the most high-profile legislation that has passed both chambers in recent months, as well as what’s on deck for Fall after Congress resumes.

After a 30-year fight over drug pricing, the Inflation Reduction Act focuses on five main provisions that will impact drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries. Read more to learn about each provision and what to expect next.

Designed to tackle climate change, lower healthcare costs, reduce the federal deficit and fight inflation, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes the largest federal investment to support the development of a green economy and mitigate the impact of a changing climate on businesses and society. 

At the start of Q3, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and continued supply chain disruptions have magnified a slowdown in the global economy. Various risks, including geopolitical tensions and financial stress, require companies to rethink business operations, investments and workforce conditions.

The World Economic Forum hosted an off-cycle Annual Meeting on 22–26 May. Our experts are tracking five trends from the Davos dialogue with implications for global companies navigating issues and reputation at the intersection of geopolitics, capital markets and ESG.

Horrific mass shootings capture attention and spark calls for action. Yet for every massacre that makes national headlines, there are dozens more shootings happening daily. With the unfathomable scale of gun deaths in this country, it will take a collective effort of all sectors and stakeholders to reverse the trend.

With federal policymakers at a near standstill on many economic and social issues, state-level elected officials are having an increasing impact on Americans’ daily lives. This edition of Policy Matters looks at how states are handling key issues from data privacy to climate change, and more.

Across America, the “Infrastructure Decade” is upon us. The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will impact almost every industry and community across the nation. Companies should assess how to navigate business and communications.

With all the major issues facing the world, climate change still looms as the largest threat to society and humanity. Here are four key considerations for all brands or businesses, wherever they may be on their sustainability journeys.

A collision of global factors has contributed to rising food insecurity. Having been watching this evolving crisis closely, our global network of experts provide local market perspectives, trends, and analyses in this latest report.

Sustainability terms are oftentimes technical — and using these terms incorrectly can lead to confusion and reputational issues for brands. To help reduce risk and provide full transparency to your stakeholders on your environmental progress, communicators should know and understand this vocabulary.

Technology companies are facing a set of legal and regulatory challenges in the United States and Europe. Companies should closely monitor developments, develop communications around their positions and the potential impact on their operations and begin to prepare to comply with new laws.

Earth Day is a key milestone for organizations to demonstrate progress in mitigating the impact of a changing climate and promoting environmental solutions that safeguard people and the planet. In preparation for Earth Day on April 22, 2022, here are five important considerations for companies.

This World Health Day is a time for governments, private sector stakeholders and advocates across the healthcare continuum to reflect on the foundational role health plays in building strong communities and prioritize increasing access to innovative healthcare solutions.

The war in Ukraine will cause global economic headwinds in the second quarter and beyond, further undermining economic recovery and hitting the poorest regions and countries the hardest. This article examines some trends to watch in the weeks ahead.

Our Geopolitical Strategy & Risk Group, in partnership with KRC Research, conducted a public opinion poll in six countries to uncover how the public and employees expect business leaders to take action amid the war in Ukraine, as well as long-term geopolitical issues.

Six weeks into the war in Ukraine, it is clear there will be both predicable and unpredictable ripple effects from the conflict with profound implications for environment, social and governance (ESG) considerations for businesses.

In today’s communications environment, businesses must seriously weigh the pros and cons of public commentary as to not upset a portion of its customer or employee base and exposing the brand to unwanted criticisms.

Powell Tate’s report, Leading at the Intersections in 2022, offers insight on key themes at the center of our work in 2022, as well as some of our best thinking from the past year.

International Women’s Day is to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s a day for the global community to come together and shine a spotlight on progress — and the work still to be done. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. This year, the theme is #BreakTheBias.

The horrifying events unfolding in Ukraine will undoubtedly count among the darkest in modern history. We stand with the people of Ukraine — and all those affected by this war. The humanitarian situation on the ground is dire and bound to get worse. Here is guidance on how the business community can best support the humanitarian response effort in Ukraine.

Over the last few years, International Women’s Day has become a focal point for organizational efforts focused on gender equality and diversity, equity and inclusion. As the Russian invasion in Ukraine intensifies, it will be important for communicators to reassess plans for IWD 2022 to ensure that content is appropriate in the context of the escalating conflict.

We opened the year by connecting with dozens of thought leaders across policy, politics, business, public health and the media to explore the issues and trends they see shaping the public affairs and communications landscape in 2022.

As we get 2022 underway, it’s tempting to be dispirited by the state of the world. But we’re optimists, so our team is focusing our energy on a critical question: What’s possible if we collectively navigate today’s challenges to find opportunity in the disruption?

As the world enters a new year, continued uncertainty over the path of the global COVID-19 pandemic, an evolving set of economic challenges, rising political and social unrest and the prospect of geopolitical conflicts that could disrupt business and international relations persist. Going into 2022, we’re keeping our eyes on several key issues and events.

Following the close of the first session of the 117th Congress ahead of the holiday recess, this issue of Policy Matters provides an update on must-pass legislation and other hot-button political matters before the House and Senate.

What is the responsibility of a brand for tackling misinformation about fast-moving cultural and policy issues? And just as importantly, who needs to be at the table when brands decide what their role should be in these conversations? These are the questions many brands are confronting — and will continue to demand attention from the C-suite in 2022 and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated underlying disparities and inequities in health and healthcare, increasing the urgency to address them. In this article, we explore ways for communicators to help drive meaningful and sustainable progress.

Corporations are facing a confluence of political turmoil, economic uncertainty and a world navigating the challenges of a global pandemic and vaccinating their populations. In a time of dynamic change, companies must closely monitor both fast-evolving, disruptive events as well as opportunities and threats that lie over the horizon.

Global climate leaders will meet for two weeks in Glasgow starting on October 31. A successful COP26 will accelerate governments on their path to mitigating climate risks and provide businesses with the clarity they need to invest in and create opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation.

President Joe Biden announced vaccine and testing requirements for federal employees and contractors, employers with more than 100 employees, many healthcare workers and large event venues. Our advice: Embrace the new federal mandates to help ensure workplaces are safe.

This year’s intergovernmental UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) takes place from November 1–12, in Glasgow, and will be the most important global climate summit since the landmark Paris Climate Agreement was finalized in 2015.

Having a concrete set of timebound goals is a necessary underpinning for any sustainability, corporate responsibility or diversity and inclusion communications strategy. However, it is increasingly difficult to earn attention through this alone in a crowded space.

Weber Shandwick’s Geopolitical Strategy & Risk Group uncovered a powerful new dimension to the role of a global business in our report, Home Country as Stakeholder: The Rising Geopolitical Risk for Business Leaders.

UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) outlines alarming trends in global climate and a new urgency for governments, businesses and communities around the world to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

The events of 2020 — from managing through a global pandemic to weathering an economic downturn and backslide on global development, navigating through a reckoning on racial equity and experiencing the growing impacts of climate change — have tested the C-Suite like no other time in recent memory.

We cover hot issues on Capitol Hill, share progress
made on the Biden-Harris Administration’s agenda
and a look-ahead at issues to watch. We closely
follow the overarching areas animating much of
U.S. policy: response to the pandemic, the economy, equity, climate and technology.

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