If you step in too late in a legislative or regulatory decision, the likelihood of you being able to get what you want goes down dramatically.
And, even though the windows of opportunity to influence are marked, the critical moments in time are often far earlier than people think.
This is a simplified visualisation of the journey of an idea into law.
The time between an idea’s conception to political pick up varies from decades to ten years. It can be quicker. The take up of an idea into backing for political action by the political mainstream lies in the hands of policy entrepreneurs. I’ve worked with a few.
To get an idea taken up takes patience, resources and policy/legislative solutions. Evidence and data are needed. An issue, however important it is that has no EU solution and accompanying evidence, data, and legislative text available to be handed over to the right policy champion, is a worthy issue with little to no chance of a long-term political life. It all has to be put into one page, in plain English (annexe allowed). Many important issues never get taken up.
One of the more things I find hard to do is let people know that I can’t help them. The decisions have been made, and there is no going back. The dye is cast. I know some lobbyists and lawyers promise they can turn things around at the 11th hour, but I’ve not yet witnessed the fruits of these shamans. Please send me examples that have worked.
The same runs true for regulatory decision-making. In the area I know best, chemicals, the later you step in with relevant studies, data and evidence, the harder your chances of getting the desired outcome. The challenge is that preparing credible studies, evidence, and data takes time.