Business-government relations: beyond lobbying

Purpose - Parallel with business and society relationships, the business and government relationship needs greater attention. Business and government relations beyond short-term lobbying could be seen as a strategic activity aimed at creating sustainable value for the company. As such it would become much easier to achieve competitive advantage and align the company's commercial with the public interest. This paper seeks to examine this issue. Design/methodology/approach - The paper aims to scan the issue with a view to further research. Findings - The economic crisis and the imminent new wave of regulation make a new approach to lobbying more pressing. Originality/value - The paper is based on political and economic writings and on practical experience in the public and private sector.