THEORY AND PRACTICE OF LOBBYING

The main objectives of the course are: a) to introduce to the knowledge of interest groups whose role is as important as often overlooked in the analysis of decision-making processes in contemporary democracies; b) to identify the political-institutional contexts that most facilitate or hinder the activity of the groups; c) to examine the tactics and strategies through which group representatives (lobbyists) attempt to influence (with different degrees of success) public decision makers (parliamentarians, members of the government, senior managers and public officials); d) to examine the regulation concerning lobbying; e) to question the impact (positive, neutral, negative) of lobbying on the functioning of democracy; f) to understand the concrete tools in order to achieve effective lobbying

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1. Knowledge and understanding of national and European institutions and decision-making process; 2) Knowledge and understanding of the Italian political system and the role of lobbies; 3) Knowledge and understanding of the comparative discipline of interest groups; Knowledge and understanding of lobbying tools and techniques; Autonomy of analysis of political processes, functioning of institutions, national and European decision-making process.

The course is divided into two parts. The first part is theoretical, and is aimed at providing the tools to understand what pressure groups are, what is the actual lobbying activity and what are the main regulatory models adopted in the UK, USA and Canada, in the European Union and in Italy. The second part is, instead, eminently practical; the various lobbying techniques are studied through the analysis of concrete cases. Some simulations are then programmed which allow us to use the notions and tools provided, devising possible pressure strategies. During the course, the testimonies of numerous important personalities of the sector are heard, who can contribute, with their experience and skills, to illustrate the difficulties and prospects of this profession.

PETRILLO P.L., Theories and techniques of lobbying. Rules, cases, procedures, Mulino, Bologna, 2019

Case study: Palm Oil case - frontal teaching - group work -role-playing and simulations of various kinds - case analysis -Testimonies -work and activities with companies and / or institutions

1) modes of conducting the examination Oral exam at the end of the course which has a duration of 20 minutes, consists of about 4 questions 2) methods for verifying the expected learning results; - Assessment of the acquisition of the information disseminated in class and the ability to expose the concepts learned and resolution of practical cases and simulations

Attention to current affairs, the desire to know in detail the working mechanisms of decision-making processes, predisposition to dialectics and negotiation. Participation in meetings with lobbyists, field missions and simulations. Ability to interact with public decision makers.