Baikal Communications Group has launched its third expert study of the government relations (GR) industry. For the first time, the focus is on the perspectives of CEOs, presidents, and other top executives regarding business-government communications.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with a team of sociologists. The study has already received support from the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) and the Center for Eurasian Cooperation (CEC), which have invited their member companies to take the survey.

The primary goal of the study is to identify the key expectations of company leadership regarding the GR function, to document trends in the profession’s development, and to assess the degree of GR integration into corporate strategic management.

Baikal Communications Group previously conducted studies in 2021 and 2024, which marked the first attempts at a systematic analysis of GR and lobbying in Russia through collaboration with practicing professionals. Over 250 experts from the corporate sector, business associations, and consulting firms shared their views. These data formed the basis for describing working models, objectives, tools, and the specific characteristics of GR and lobbying in Russia.

The first study (2021) focused on the internal structure of the GR function and the profile of GR professionals. It recorded approaches to building GR teams, channels of interaction with the state, recruitment methods, and performance evaluation tools. The second study (2024) reflected the impact of geopolitical changes, the rise in regulatory risks, and the growing need for legal regulation of GR and lobbying. It also revealed the demand for specialized educational programs and outlined the specifics of business–government interaction via external consultants.

In 2025, Baikal Communications Group is turning its attention to how GR and lobbying are perceived by top executives. The survey examines:

  • the structure and level of formalization of the GR function;
  • the priorities company leadership assigns to GR departments;
  • the extent of CEO involvement in GR activities;
  • the role of external consultants in addressing GR and lobbying challenges;
  • effectiveness criteria and approaches to strategic planning in GR;
  • company plans for developing the function in the coming years, and much more.

Studying the views of top management is especially important: decisions made at the top level determine the priorities of government interaction, resource allocation, and the long-term strategy of GR activity. This study aims to contribute to the formation of GR standards, the development of dialogue between business and government, and the strengthening of the profession’s institutional framework in Russia.

The study’s results will be published in leading business media outlets and presented at the annual Corporate GR Forum in December 2025.

To participate in the survey, please fill out the questionnaire. You may also opt for an in-person interview or provide an expert comment for the analytical report. For any questions, including interview participation, please contact us at msk@b-c-g.ru.

More information on the results of previous GR industry studies is available at the following link.

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