Think Tanks, Lobbyists and
Corporations
Think Tanks
Group of experts that investigate topics and develop solutions or policies
Public policy research organisations that seek to influence government policy, public policy and
public debate rather than directly campaign for policy changes (which is more typical of
pressure groups)
May focus on narrow or broader field across economics, social policy or political thought
Whilst the Civil Service must be politically neutral, Think Tanks tend to have political leanings
Right-wing examples: Adam Smith Institute, Centre for Policies Studies, Centre for Social Justice
Left-wing examples: Fabian Society, Institute for Public Policy
Liberal examples: Liberty, Reform
Neutral examples: Demos, Chatham House
Problems with Think Tanks
Need to be in line with government thinking to have any real impact
Often filled with young ambitious people looking for a way into politics
Can be more ‘blue sky thinking’ than practical policy
Lack the academic rigour and creditability of university research
Lobbyists
Activities devoted to informing politicians of the views of various interest groups, and
persuading them to draft legislation or to vote in accordance with these views
Typically done on behalf of other clients such as businesses or charities, by firms who specialise
in lobbying.
Professionals who are paid by people/organisations/ corporations/interest groups seeking
access and influence over MPs, Lords, Civil Servants and Ministers
Lobbyists will seek to persuade politicians to enact legislation that will be favourable to them or
to their clients.
E.g. the Confederation of British Industry
Large industry- 114 firms, 4,000 people employed and worth around £2 billion each year
This is, however, small compared to the US where the lobbying industry is said to control around
$3.5 trillion of government spending
In the US, which is also beginning to come true in the UK, many go through the ‘revolving door’
where they tended to swap between politics and lobbying (e.g., climbing to a high position in
government and then becoming a lobbyist can make them a lot of money since they have access
to the necessary contacts
Problems with Lobbyists
Corporations
Think Tanks
Group of experts that investigate topics and develop solutions or policies
Public policy research organisations that seek to influence government policy, public policy and
public debate rather than directly campaign for policy changes (which is more typical of
pressure groups)
May focus on narrow or broader field across economics, social policy or political thought
Whilst the Civil Service must be politically neutral, Think Tanks tend to have political leanings
Right-wing examples: Adam Smith Institute, Centre for Policies Studies, Centre for Social Justice
Left-wing examples: Fabian Society, Institute for Public Policy
Liberal examples: Liberty, Reform
Neutral examples: Demos, Chatham House
Problems with Think Tanks
Need to be in line with government thinking to have any real impact
Often filled with young ambitious people looking for a way into politics
Can be more ‘blue sky thinking’ than practical policy
Lack the academic rigour and creditability of university research
Lobbyists
Activities devoted to informing politicians of the views of various interest groups, and
persuading them to draft legislation or to vote in accordance with these views
Typically done on behalf of other clients such as businesses or charities, by firms who specialise
in lobbying.
Professionals who are paid by people/organisations/ corporations/interest groups seeking
access and influence over MPs, Lords, Civil Servants and Ministers
Lobbyists will seek to persuade politicians to enact legislation that will be favourable to them or
to their clients.
E.g. the Confederation of British Industry
Large industry- 114 firms, 4,000 people employed and worth around £2 billion each year
This is, however, small compared to the US where the lobbying industry is said to control around
$3.5 trillion of government spending
In the US, which is also beginning to come true in the UK, many go through the ‘revolving door’
where they tended to swap between politics and lobbying (e.g., climbing to a high position in
government and then becoming a lobbyist can make them a lot of money since they have access
to the necessary contacts
Problems with Lobbyists
