As part of the Executive MBA program of the Russian School of Management at Synergy Business School, Eduard Voytenko, PhD in Political Science and CEO of Baikal Communications Group, conducted a series of lectures on the topic “Government Relations (GR) and Lobbying in Russia. ”The educational sessions were included in the module “Strategic Business Communications: GR, PR, IR.”

The expert outlined key theoretical aspects essential for effective professional performance in the field and shared his extensive practical experience in GR and lobbying. The sessions focused on the following topics:

  • Legal Status of GR and Lobbying:
    The absence of direct regulation of GR and lobbying in Russia, its advantages (flexibility, confidentiality) and drawbacks (reputational risks, difficulties in budget justification). The prospects for developing a legal and ethical framework in this area were discussed.
  • Structure of Public Authorities:
    Specifics of interaction with the Presidential Administration, the Government of the Russian Federation, federal executive bodies, and legislative authorities; the role of performance indicators and national projects in shaping stakeholder interest in business-related issues.
  • Regulatory Mechanisms:
    From the “regulatory guillotine” and regulatory impact assessment (RIA) to instruments of state support for business, including tax incentives, grants, subsidies, and state guarantees.
  • Communication Tools:
    GR approaches to dialogue and written communication, techniques for building long-term relationships, cooperation with public authorities, industry and business associations, development institutions, and expert organizations.
  • Analytical Tools:
    Regulatory monitoring and digests, legal analysis, stakeholder mapping, and participation in rulemaking activities.
  • GR Strategy as Part of Corporate Strategy:
    Integration of business interests with governmental priorities; development of short-, medium-, and long-term GR projects.
  • PR in GR Projects:
    The role of media, digital platforms, and public communications in promoting initiatives and shaping an expert information environment.

The event concluded with a practical workshop, where participants applied the acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios. The attendees worked on case studies from various industries, each centered around genuine regulatory challenges and communication tasks faced by companies in their interactions with the state.

Baikal Communications Group will continue to foster the development of the GR and lobbying profession in Russia, share expertise, and promote a culture of open and responsible dialogue between business and government.
In a rapidly evolving regulatory environment, competencies in GR and lobbying are becoming critical to the sustainable development of companies.

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