University’s Institute for Policy Research issues latest policy briefing
The University’s new Institute for Policy Research (IPR) has today issued the latest in a series of policy briefings which promote public understanding of the policy dilemmas that our societies face.
One of the aims of the new Institute is to scrutinise political decisions and policies, identifying the interests that shape them and the hidden costs and consequences they entail.
In the run up to the launch of the Institute on 14 May the IPR is issuing the policy briefings to a wide audience of policy makers and others in a position of influence.
The seventh briefing, issued today, looks at the innovative strategies employed by tobacco companies to undermine UK and EU health policy.
It is based on research conducted by the University’s Tobacco Control Research Group which has examined how tobacco companies have sought to gain access to policy élites, exploit the political value of the specialised information under their control, and shape public health agendas.
Tobacco companies continually innovate in the techniques they use to influence policies that affect their interests and activities. The findings show that seemingly benign initiatives – such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes and the European Union (EU) Better Regulation agenda – have provided opportunities for tobacco companies to subvert public health priorities. The research therefore stresses the vital importance of monitoring how such initiatives are used, in order to ensure balanced and effective policy-making.
Find out more about this research by reading the policy brief
If you have missed any of our previous policy briefings, you will find them on our website. Further policy briefings will follow during the coming weeks.
Register your place at the Institute for Policy Research Launch Conference: Policy and Power: Rethinking the Role of Policy Research
Among the speakers are political economist Will Hutton and Iain Stewart, geologist and TV presenter. Will Hutton will speak on the role of research in policy. Iain Stewart will chair a panel on climate change, a major topic of interest to the Institute.
Follow the IPR on Twitter @UniofBathIPR
