APCO Forum

We hope to demonstrate solidarity in the fight against racism, while also creating space for healing, education and collaboration as a diverse community...

This analysis covers some of the top policy and regulatory issues that emerged in the past 100 days with the new Biden administration—and some thoughts on how companies will be impacted in the days and months ahead...

To what extent will AI-aided systems replace or augment existing technologies as the role of frontline care staff is being reshaped by computers that can monitor cases, analyze data and directly deliver basic care...

Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan places great emphasis on the green transition and on the digital transformation..

As a result of increased levels of stress, isolation and burnout, it’s perhaps no surprise that more companies are prioritizing employee wellbeing as part of their overall ESG strategies...

Although the hope is that these tools would help bridge the divide between class, race, gender, socio-economic status and more, when data from the real world is tainted with bias and misinformation, AI will inevitably fail us. How do we consciously and ethically use AI to reduce the inequities in society? ..

There’s a lot of talk today about “analytics,” “data science” and “machine learning.” How these are defined and how they are applied differ depending on who you’re talking to, the field they work in and what their expertise is...

As companies develop new and revolutionary technologies and our society irrevocably shift towards greater online interaction and presence, so do the dangers of technological shortcomings. ..

When he addresses a joint session of Congress tonight, President Biden will likely use low-key rhetoric to advocate an ambitious agenda, from rebuilding the nation’s physical and social infrastructure to strengthening American families, dismantling systemic racism and addressing climate change...

With social distancing and lockdown measures in place, coping with isolation has been an ongoing challenge for many across the world...

Kelly and Jason came together to discuss the role of leadership in creating impactful, lasting change, and how leaders can instill a sense of bravery/empowerment across the entire culture of a company...

Disinformation isn’t new, but in today’s digital world, it's as omnipresent as it is nebulous. How can we combat such a pervasive threat without finding ourselves playing an endless game of whack-a-mole? What role do individuals, platforms, and companies play in turning the tide against bad actors and towards a renewed emphasis on fact-based reporting and messages grounded in truth?..

We challenged our own assumptions about the state-of-affairs and trends likely to have the most profound impact on life and work in years to come...

The question of “why aren’t we getting credit?” is a common one. The answer is complex, but the following insights yield some answers and a possible prescription:..

What do the American president, the French president and a Chinese ambassador all have in common? At first glance, not much, but all three were recently targets of a French-speaking Twitter group recognizable by their profile pics of a bald Lionel Messi: they call themselves “Pessi.”..

Unequal pay is hardly new but with a global pandemic and its disproportionately devastating impacts on women—in the pandemic, women have lost a net of 5.4 million jobs—we are facing a true crisis...

When I set out to write this piece, I began thinking about how I could use it to provide the most value for my women peers. I decided my time was best spent showing how women mentorship has been pivotal for shaping me and learning from the women I work with about how I, and other men, can provide better support for their female colleagues...

Colleagues from APCO’s London office, about women in time who have truly inspired them, and why. Have a read below to see what they had to say. ..

We have now arrived at a significant milestone where companies and organizations should take stock of what’s worked, what hasn’t and what they can and should be doing to prepare themselves for the next “unprecedented” event...

APCO co-sponsored a webinar with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce assessing initial takeaways of the previous day’s election in Israel, with attention to business and political implications. ..

Anna Ditchev shares important elements to consider before sharing corporate commitments on sustainability. ..

As we consider the year behind us, and all that it entailed, Claire Boussagol and Kelly Williamson share their thoughts on the events of the past year, and how APCO is working to ensure an inclusive and accessible work environment for all its employees. ..

Youth have been front and center in the recent explosion of climate advocacy. Around the world, young activists have breathed urgency into the climate movement, shaken up public discourse about climate action, or lack thereof, and put climate change on national and international agendas..

Get caught up on what you need to know about the factors and figures involved in Israel's March 2021 election via this report from APCO's team in Tel Aviv. ..

Following the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, global progress on addressing climate change appeared to slow for a number of years. In the absence of strong and coordinated political action, companies came to realize that they could take climate action substantially faster than political systems...

As we celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month, we must recognize that we very much stand on the shoulders of those women who came before us and created space in the workplace for us. Holding that space, and retaining women in the workforce, is our collective responsibility...

The world is at a tipping point. ESG risks and opportunities are making their way into substantive conversations in the C-Suite and Boardroom about business as a platform for change. Every journey needs a roadmap. Communicators can help their organizations redefine market leadership and chart their path on their journey of stakeholder capitalism, ESG and decarbonization...

Among local activists and socially conscious visitors who have spent some time in Japan, there is a consensus that sexism and misogyny are deeply rooted in many aspects of Japanese society...

To make the most of the opportunities available in China, British companies should stay attuned to Chinese domestic policy directions emanating from the 14th Five-Year Plan, with industrial upgrading and green development areas where UK businesses have notable competitive advantages...

We honor and remember Mr. Geoffrey Lace, who sadly recently passed away at the age of 74. We salute Mr. Lace’s entrepreneurism and his everlasting legacy, and extend our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time...

Millennials and Zoomers—two similar yet very unique generations—have the power to change the world and our industry for the better by advancing the very essence of what diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) mean simply because of our foundational upbringing, the opportunities in front of us and the unique place we hold in society...

Instead of waiting for such a circumstance to rethink your company’s role in racial equity solutions-driving, let BHM serve as an appropriate time to reset your stakeholder engagement agenda and align your outreach to aspirational plans...

If COVID-19 has a lesson for us with regards to health, it is this: our social environments matter just as much as our DNAs and lifestyle choices. Experts are cognisant of the fact that joblessness, lack of education and racial inequities are part and parcel of the problems that need to be fixed...

On December 30, 2020, after seven years of dialogue, the European Union (EU) and China announced, the conclusion in principle of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). In a deal which is highly political in nature, which sectors of EU business stand to benefit the most?..

Company leaders need to reimagine the business case for diversity, dig deeper and focus on the systems and power structures within their organizations that elevate one group of people and diminishes another. This is hard work. It requires self-examination to understand our own biases and how we contribute to the systemic issues that exist...

As the economics of business changes, corporations need to reelevate their talent strategy to compete globally. Diversity is a business imperative and not just "the right thing to do." Building a more inclusive workforce offers different perspectives and provides the innovation, creativity, and acceleration of positive change that companies need to ensure long-term success...

The traditional philanthropy sector is having its own reckoning with race—confronting its roots in wealth disparities and paternalistic, colonial approaches, and moving towards justice-centered giving, redistributing power and investing in community-led solutions...

With great knowledge and insights come with great responsibility and as business and organizations select how to use data towards their business activities, none can claim data neutrality. There are clear business and cost-effective strategies to mitigating racial and prejudice bias, but above all, these offensive applications affect people’s lives and should be open to scrutiny and accountability...

In September 2020, President Xi Jinping declared that China would be carbon neutral by 2060. This goal has provided fresh impetus to accelerate the development of China’s New Energy Vehicles (NEV) industry...

When it comes to advocacy and adding to societal value, this year's Super Bowl was again one where only a handful of ads rose to the level of the brands recognizing and embracing their strengths...

This month’s Super Bowl LV will be different. There will be a limited number of fans inside the stadium and likely (hopefully) fewer large watch parties. Adding to the disruption of this annual spectacle are the numerous long-standing brands that have decided to take a pass and not advertise in the game...

How can the communications industry retain its influence today? One answer is to reinvent communication itself. With public life, technology and time stacked against the industry, a near-term strategy is to let go of the written word—press releases, op-eds, blog posts and so forth—and embrace audiovisual formats...

While the Biden administration can be expected to have a robust healthcare agenda beyond the first 100 days, the president understands that getting the pandemic under better control is critical to making progress on other issues. As a result, his first 100 days will be all about the pandemic...

As 2021 kicks off, let’s think about the kind of society we want, because we have an opportunity to rebuild society better, healthier and more supportive. While change won’t happen overnight, we can make the choice to do better not just for ourselves and our businesses, but also for the people who lost their lives, livelihoods and loved ones over the past year...

As the Biden administration prepares to take the reins in Washington, one of the sharpest policy pivots is expected to be in environmental and climate policy. Water crises, including droughts and floods intensified by climate change, are among the greatest tangible risks to business and geopolitical stability...

Although the full text of the 14th FYP will not be released until the Two Sessions in March 2021, certain themes have already been highlighted in the communiqué, which was issued in October 2020...

It’s going to be a packed first 100 days for the Biden administration, setting the tone for an eventful four years. There’s much for business leaders to be optimistic about—a return to rules-based trade; more predictability; and more balanced and less mercantilist policymaking. And while some new geo-commercial risks will undoubtedly arise, there should be tremendous opportunities for savvy cross-border trade and investment...

What will or should be done in the first 100 days of the long-awaited Biden Administration vis-à-vis relations with the European Union? And what can we expect to see as a result taking place in the EU in 2021?..

Globally, antitrust scrutiny and enforcement remained robust with the focus on big tech continuing to grow. There now appears to be competition amongst regulators themselves as a wave of investigations are launched and new tools proposed to regulate digital markets...

APCO convened a panel of experts to discuss how the incoming Biden administration might approach various elements of what's next in the Middle East and Israel in light of the Abraham Accords. ..

Portugal will take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2021. Lisbon is following Germany and preceding Slovenia as part of the so-called ‘GPS-presidency’ trio, marking the fourth Portuguese EU Council Presidency since the country joined the European Economic Community in 1986. The following overview has been developed in cooperation between the APCO team in Brussels and our partner agency in Portugal, ATREVIA. This Presidency Guide outlines the challenges that lie ahead and how companies can address them...

China has the largest number of international students in educational institutions globally, especially in the United States, the UK, Australia and Canada. Despite many students reconsidering their study abroad plans due to the health risks and travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ensuing geopolitical tensions, demand for international education remains high. ..

Speaking at the January 8th Brazda Breakfast briefing, an event sponsored by APCO and hosted by our partner, The Alliance for Health Policy, Commissioner Hahn emphasized that communicating transparent standards and guidelines for the public was critical to ensuring that health care providers effectively combat COVID-19...

I strongly condemn the actions of these cowards and believe that law enforcement should take the strongest actions against those who callously desecrated U.S. democracy and all the values it is meant to represent...

On December 18, the FDA approved Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the United States. The move makes Moderna’s vaccine the second to reach the American public. Now that the scientific community has developed multiple breakthrough vaccines to halt the coronavirus pandemic, we face an equal challenge: getting them safely to immunization sites around the world and in the arms of people. ..

With two COVID-19 vaccines already being put in arms around the country and more expected early next year, healthcare providers must successfully deploy millions of doses of the vaccines to end the coronavirus pandemic. However, just as important as the logistics of getting this done, the public must be willing to get the vaccine in large enough numbers to control the spread of the disease. ..

Sandra Lindsay became the first American to receive a coronavirus vaccine outside of a clinical trial on December 14. The nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center is the first of hundreds of millions of people who will need the vaccine to control the coronavirus pandemic as America’s death toll rises. To be successful, the rollout of the vaccination campaign requires coordination among state, local and national officials and private sector leaders. ..

With two COVID-19 vaccines going into the arms of front-line healthcare workers and residents of nursing home and assisted living facilities, the world now faces the massive challenge of coordinating and administering vaccine doses to millions of people. Success depends on clear communication, consistent guidance and careful coordination between all parties involved...

“Digitalisation and cyber are two sides of the same coin,” said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, while presenting her political priorities in July 2019. Data show that the EU has long been a primary target for cybercriminals and President von der Leyen signalled European Union’s intention to beef up its cybersecurity defence...

Best practices in philanthropy are indeed shifting as we approach 2021. While there is no one organization doing it all perfectly, foundations looked to as leaders are in front of the trends and are working with urgency to address the broader range of historic criticisms of being “top-down, closed-door and expert-driven.”..

2020 has delivered certainty to us all about health. We now know that it is an existential asset not only for individuals but for business and society as a whole. Now, as vaccination makes working, playing and loving without wearing a mask a realistic prediction for 2021, leaders of all ilk need to make operating as the one humanity we are a new status quo...

Smart businesses will spend next year embedding fully new structural changes, being more inclusive, and adapting to a new work mindset. While COVID-19 left an indelible mark on us all this year, 2021 will bring different, possibly greater, but certainly connected challenges...

If COVID-19 ushered in new issues for your company in 2020, just wait until 2021. Bridging the period between the pandemic and widespread COVID-19 immunity will require thoughtful policies that further define your corporate legacy and how you live your values...

Global tech and the intersection of policy, issues and reputation management have never been more intense. The opportunities for defining and owning a relevant narrative for all brands are massive...

In 2021, it is time for water advocates to turn their Achilles’ Heel into their secret weapon, reaching outside their comfort zones to engage, enlist and activate new allies. It’s time to assert water’s connective place among the pressing issues—climate, food, energy, health—facing our blue planet, which is becoming more and more thirsty by the moment...

Looking ahead to 2021, APCO Worldwide’s business experts analyzed potential trends and provided their predictions for the new year—examining the future of hospitality, global energy, financial technology and capital markets—where all signs point to continued focus on health, tech and safety...

As 2020 comes to a close, APCO’s experts in Asia reveal their regional business predictions for 2021. From China and India to Southeast Asia, the forecasts point to a dynamic new year with global dialogue and market opportunities...

2021 is a time for long, overdue change. This is the year when everyone needs to take a hard look at what commitment they will make to promote gender equality and how they will action it. Because without action on these commitments, women will slip further into economic and societal inequality...

The retail sector is going through a disruption accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several important cornerstones of the transformation that successful retail companies need to have in order to survive and grow through 2021 and beyond...

The core digital principles of knowing your audience, listening, having a clear message, building trust with your audiences in credible ways, and being authentic and transparent still matter...

The media landscape has been changing and contracting for years, and will continue to do so in 2021. Content is still the key to successful media coverage and here are a few ways to prepare your media programs for the year ahead...

With the publication of the Digital Services Act (DSA) draft legislation on 15 December, the European Commission is now overhauling its framework for digital services, adopted in 2000 with the e-Commerce Directive...

With coming to an imminent resolution, and the first vaccinations already starting to roll out, what will the next 12 months hold for UK businesses and government?..

Corporate purpose has increasingly become a watchword for companies looking to distinguish themselves in the modern era. 2020 has proved that the future is uncertain, change is ever-present and those companies that react quickly and adapt to uncertainties are better placed to come back stronger...

The COVID-19 crisis has been an eye-opener for many stakeholders, especially national governments, and has revealed that sharing health data is essential for enabling positive health outcomes and more sustainable health systems in Europe...

Read and download APCO's full report on RCEP, which includes country-specific analysis from APCO Worldwide’s consultants on the responses from around the region...

The European Commission laid down its vision for the future of the transport sector by presenting a ‘Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy’. This new and highly anticipated plan aims to strengthen the role played by the mobility ecosystem in pursuing the EU Green Deal by setting out various milestones for each mode of transport to ultimately become zero-emission...

Embracing difference means not cataloguing diversity under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, but acknowledging its impact on the bottom line...

Following years of ideation and feasibility analyses, the real-world use cases of 2021 will provide the first benchmarks for governments and industry players throughout Europe and thereby serve as a first indicator of whether the upcoming Council Presidencies will progress with Germany’s “New Mobility Approach.”..

As a global population, we’re leaning in to science and the scientific community more than ever before—representing a critical inflection point for healthcare communicators and marketers...

Now, more than ever, the integrity of the healthcare industry depends on resilient proactive and reactive cybersecurity measures. Assembling a cyber crisis communications plan is a business decision that represents an organization’s commitment to its customers and reputation...

It's hard enough hearing about the difficult experiences of people prior to COVID-19. Add a global pandemic, economic collapse and unemployment crisis on top of that and you understand just how disproportionate of an impact that systematic inequality has on the most vulnerable people in our society...

The DMA initiative won’t just be shaped in the technical environment of DG COMP, as is the norm, but also in a more political arena...

Only one in six tech specialists in the UK are female, with only one in 10 of those being in leadership positions. Regardless of increasing efforts by some companies to improve, it’s clear female representation in the technology sector is still seriously lagging...

The effect of existing antibiotics has perpetually diminished due to increasing development of resistance, hence securing a robust pipeline of new antimicrobials is more important than ever...

Even with Germany’s EU Council Presidency coming to an end, it is expected that digital transformation in the financial sector will still be a widely discussed topic in 2021, in particular, as it intertwines with other legislative plans at the European level...

Companies should expect the U.S.-China relationship to continue to be characterized by deep friction, regardless of which party is dominant in Washington come January...

A rising social consciousness fueled by the rapid evolution of digital communications has compelled companies to make social impact a core tenet of strategic program development. Corporate social responsibility has evolved from sidecar activities to bolster reputation to strategic investments in concrete action connected to larger purpose and impact strategies for the business, more and more often with C-Suite buy-in...

The Chinese Communist Party leadership recently came together at the Fifth Plenum to review and formulate the country’s next Five-Year Plan (FYP). This context provides insight into the role “dual circulation” will play in future reforms...

In today’s report, we are inching closer to a potential result in the presidential race. We also cover the latest on the Senate and House races, the makeup of state legislatures, and an update on the corporate reaction to the election...

Our afternoon report also includes the latest on congressional races, state and local results, a number of high-profile ballot initiatives that will have an impact on several industries, and the corporate reaction to the election...

Voting in the U.S. presidential election is over, and as of this writing, it is still unclear who will be the next leader of the free world. While the dust settles overseas, many in Europe ask themselves: What will the next four years bring for Europe?..

Election Day is now complete, with days (and possibly weeks) remaining until a winner of the presidential race can be determined. Get early results and analysis from APCO's Public Affairs team in D.C...

APCO's election experts once again have your guide to election night – showing the time we expect to know the results of the 2020 votes in each state. ..

APCO MENA President Mamoon Sbeih guest hosts The Brief from MEPRA in an episode titled “Communication Lessons from the 2020 US Presidential Elections.”..

During these unprecedented times, it is essential that the public and private sectors work together in building the post-COVID-19 reality. Italy will value such exchange now more than ever...

APCO Worldwide’s adVOcaTE campaign consists of efforts designed to help get out the vote and elevate APCO employees’ voices as they advocate for what they believe in, during and beyond election year. Six members of the APCO family, who are parents, share their thoughts on why they’re voting this year. ..

The summer of 2020 felt like a historical turning point. As the pandemic continues to unravel across the region and disrupt every aspect of society, from workplaces to education, the unprecedented support for the Black Lives Matter movement in Europe offered a glimpse of hope...

In 2016, the American electorate delivered a black swan outcome that has had profound implications for people everywhere. Their choice next week will set the trajectory for the post-pandemic global order of the 2020s and beyond. ..

To analyze the issues at stake during an unprecedented American presidential election, APCO Worldwide’s Paris office and the American Chamber of Commerce hosted a webinar focused on understanding the key communications trends at the heart of the 2020 campaign...

The APCO Reset Indicator monitors global public attitudes and behaviors as the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The latest study in our series tracks views of Americans and adds perspectives from Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Singapore and India. Across these markets, we assess three core dimensions: where the public see themselves today, who is supporting (or supported) them during the pandemic and how they feel about the future...

APCO’s Drake Brown shares his reflections on growing up as a Black man in American and steps companies and people need to take to have a worthwhile discussion about D&I...

Many companies are taking the extra steps to encourage their employees to vote. But, the next—and more significant—step to watch for is whether these companies will publicly advocate for proactive measures to expand access to voting at the state and local levels...

It has been a buzzword for several years, but the concept of Europe’s ‘strategic autonomy’ has really gathered more attention over the last months in light of the COVID-19 crisis...

National strategies for voter outreach have long oversimplified how voters make decisions based on certain identity characteristics. As the country becomes more diverse and the electorate more complex, campaigns need to rethink how they appeal to voters and what the electorate looks like...

APCO Worldwide’s adVOcaTE campaign consists of efforts designed to help get out the vote and elevate APCO employees’ voices as they advocate for what they believe in, during and beyond election year. Four members of the APCO family share their thoughts on why they’re voting this year. ..

2020 has shown that we must celebrate the good things, and perhaps as important, we must directly address the challenges. This means we have to be comfortable with having difficult conversations. ..

With the post-Brexit trade negotiations picking up speed by late-2020, uncertainties are growing on both sides of the channel. Statements from representatives of the European Union and the United Kingdom are becoming harsher by the day and the danger of a “no-deal” with unprecedented effects on both sides’ economies is still looming. In these turbulent times, businesses need to establish clarity about the status quo and focus on their immediate priorities to safeguard their operations...

Since 2000, the size of immigrant electorate in the United States nearly doubled, and in 2020, naturalized citizens make up a record 10% of eligible voters in America. It is time for immigrant electorates to, not only get the job done, but to get their votes in as well...

It’s an understatement to say that this year’s Election Day in the U.S. is different; it also feels different. Happily, more organizations are seeking to inform, encourage and help people register and vote. There are also more organizations, including APCO Worldwide, that are encouraging employees to “work” on Election Day as poll workers, for example, and to encourage others to get out the vote...

While most of the high-tech, operational changes that will help the holiday season are already underway, companies hoping to drive traffic to their brick and mortar locations should now take the time to focus on stakeholder communication and engagement. For retailers, agility in communications, especially with and by employees, will make it easier to close out the year coming back stronger...

Both the United States and China have been trying to engage Europe as a counterweight amid their rivalry. Despite China’s wish to sustain a cordial relationship, the EU’s harder stance towards China on a range of issues leaves more questions than answers...

The passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is sad news in a terrible year. Her legacy is a testament to her view that “real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”..

ESG investing has become impossible for regulators to ignore. With the market moving fast, regulators are beginning to co-develop common practices and frameworks that have, until now, largely been left up to companies, shareholders and financial market participants...

As health policy is a hot topic in a COVID-19 world, it was hardly surprising that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened her State of the European Union address on 16 September with four health proposals. In the pre-COVID-19 era, EU health policy would rarely have been the first item on the presidential agenda, but plenty has changed this year...

Listen to the webinar APCO hosted featuring Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to discuss critical policy prospects and the future of transportation infrastructure...

Australian businesses should consider pursuing a comprehensive public affairs and communications strategy to help them navigate the rough waters and maximise medium-long term advantages in the China market. Here are some high-level recommendations...

Despite the turbulence contributed by both the U.S. and China over the last few years to the bilateral relationship, China still presents significant commercial opportunities for multinational companies. However, companies must be able to navigate this heightening tension by establishing trust in a business environment increasingly being drawn into the political fray...

Here some critical principles for organizations to keep top of mind as they plan and execute new campaigns and optimize existing ones...

I am delighted to introduce “adVOcaTE,” a campaign consisting of internal and external education and engagement efforts designed to help APCO employees prepare to cast purposeful votes, share their voices and continue their efforts fighting for what they believe in..

Achieving technological sovereignty is one of the EU’s key priorities, not just in terms of its digital agenda, but also its strategic autonomy and place in the world. While digital hasn’t always been Europe’s strength, if German leadership can foster solidarity it may help Europe achieve its goal...

The current Orphan Regulation was written at a time when nobody could have foreseen how medical science and digital technologies would transform health. The need for future-proofing the Regulation is clear...

The workplace of the future is still being defined and we must hold ourselves and each other accountable to creating a more inclusive workplace...

Like America’s major political parties, companies all over the world are grappling with how to re-engineer a live event, especially one that has strategic importance to their business. There are some useful lessons emerging from the Democratic and Republican National Conventions about what’s working, and what’s not, in virtual event programming...

APCO's digital team in Europe used a qualitative approach, that focused on the cultural contexts surrounding online conversations, to gained interesting insights into how various audiences interacted online to create a unique fan experience that was more virtual and unlike any other Champions League final ever before...

While person-to-person interaction is at an all-time low as we struggle to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases, grassroots advocacy and social media engagement is at an all-time high. Phone2Action’s Stephanie Stouffer, an APCO alumna, joins our hosts on the latest episode of Essential Bytes to discuss the unique opportunities presented by the unified collectives emerging online in the wake of COVID-19 and renewed calls for social justice...

To help commemorate Women's Equality Day, we hosted a special conversation featuring Irene Khan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and Opinion, to discuss COVID’s disproportionate impact on women, the changing expectations of balancing work and family life and the work still ahead to ensure women’s equality...

2020 is a turbulent year and global leadership is in short supply. But as the United States is focused inwards, the UK is hampered by Brexit, France is in perennial economic crisis, and China and Russia are engaged in promoting their own political priorities. Can Germany fill the void?..

The normalization promotes new opportunities for investments in Israel and the UAE, removing political barriers that may have hindered past region-wide cooperation...

In seeking a normalization agreement with one of the most influential and technologically advanced Arab countries, Israel has sought to establish a new paradigm, in which its regional relations and integration are not necessarily preconditioned on progress in the Palestinian peace track or pan-Arab ideological solidarity...

Israeli and Emirati officials are to meet in the coming weeks and sign agreements constituting this “Abraham Accord,” regarding issues such as the establishment of direct flights, investments and trade, technology and health cooperation, and the opening of embassies, among other topics...

At a time when hyper-connectivity makes decisions and their consequences widely visible and with perceptions affecting an organization’s bottom line, communicators need to be part of the C-suite...

Two major reforms to the UK’s public health system were announced in recent weeks—refreshed efforts to fight obesity, and the creation of a new body specifically to prevent a second wave of COVID-19. Both announcements represent an evolution, rather than a revolution, but are arguably more interesting for what they say about Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s approach to government, and how businesses should engage with his administration...

At the August 6th Brazda Breakfast briefing, an event sponsored by APCO and hosted by our partner, The Alliance for Health Policy, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci walked over 60 reporters through what we know now about COVID-19, how it spreads, where it is spreading, the status of vaccine development, and most importantly, what we all can and should do to slow the spread...

Watch the discussion of the policy and political ramifications of recent executive orders, how drug pricing actions will resonate considering the pandemic and which of these policies might move forward in 2021...

Achieving the goal of social good is not merely a responsibility of those who occupy the corner office, but all employees, as it is their individual decisions and actions which drive an organization towards adopting ethical practices...

Welcome to Essential Bytes, where APCO’s team of digital strategists discuss their perspectives on the latest digital news, reveal challenges they’re facing and highlight the opportunities that lie ahead for brands online...

We must check ourselves to ensure that we go deeper into the right sets of actions versus spreading ourselves too thin, show progress instead of just talking about it amongst ourselves and ensure that this is a commitment we all feel obligated to join—because the future of our country, our communities, our workplaces and most importantly people’s lives, require it...

As a leading global company in public affairs and strategic communication, APCO's Tokyo office had the opportunity to hold a lecture on advocacy campaigning with a class of international and Japanese students at Keio University...

By 2025, China is likely to be the world’s largest 5G market, with both public and private sector organizations in market demonstrating that virtually any industry can benefit from it. A glimpse at China’s 5G progress and applications can help foreign companies to understand how they can become part of the story...

It is important for organizations to understand that while the pandemic has tested their resiliency like never before, their long-term viability depends upon the consumers who will ultimately judge them on their ability to effect real change...

Every seven years the EU is convulsed by negotiations over its budget—the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF). The narrative is familiar and repetitive: predictions of stalemate and catastrophic breakdown are at some stage transformed into grumpy acceptance of a new deal with sweeteners for everyone. The question is, when will that transformation happen?..

Today, many in Germany consider the current Wirecard AG scandal as “their Enron moment.” By grasping this crisis, Minister Scholz stepped up to start the debate around the insolvent Fintech asking the obvious questions of how and where the oversight system has failed...

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed some of the structural weaknesses and inefficiencies of health systems across Europe. This has increased public and political awareness about the need to invest more in health. The way the crisis was handled by national governments particularly fueled discussions about the digitalization of the health sector, in many cases proving that a transition to more digital health services and applications is possible when push comes to shove—at least temporarily...

As we have discovered over the past few months, the construction industry has shown that staying open safely during the COVID-19 pandemic can lead many sectors—from energy to transportation—to continue serving the public...

In a few days, on July 15, less than two months after Crew Dragon took off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral, the Emirates Mars Mission (an APCO client), part of the UAE’s National Space Program, is set to launch its Mars probe. Now is the time for communicators to don their space suits and contribute their creativity as well as skills in storytelling, public relations, and public affairs to propel the space industry forward, while helping a deeply divided public see beyond its differences...

A military standoff between India and China in northern Ladakh, along a long-disputed border, has stirred up serious tensions which could have enormous geopolitical consequences for a world battling a pandemic for which many blame Beijing. The relationship between the world’s two most-populous nations can be seen through five different prisms, each of which is playing a role in deciding where ties are today and where they are likely to head in the future...

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in certain parts of the United States, restaurant and retail sectors are caught in the middle of a political and public health tug-of-war. While tactics to safely reopen stores and restaurants continue to evolve, discussions are turning to how to adapt to phased reopening orders while building consumer confidence and coming up with new ways to secure financial viability. With uncertainty abound, how are restaurant and retail businesses charting the future?..

Leading experts in the field share their insights on conducting public affairs in the COVID-19 era...

The aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis will inevitably feature renewed efforts to protect the privacy of individuals...

While there still are many uncertainties about what the post-COVID-19 reality will look like for society, observers and experts agree that the format, focus and expectations around social advocacy will change. As a result, companies should evolve their original CSR pathway to meet new social and consumer environment...

The coronavirus pandemic has put most of Europe on lockdown over the past few months—EU advocacy, however, is going strong. Having quickly learned the rules of the new “virtual” normal, the wide range of EU interest groups have not missed the chance to use these unprecedented circumstances to defend their interests, some even more actively and vocally than ever. The kick-off of the German Presidency of the EU Council on 1 July is likely to open the window for engagement around the EU energy and sustainability policies even wider...

Regulating big tech is complex. But establishing harmonized and consistent tech regulation across Europe is even harder and the recent developments around online hate speech prove that. While the French constitutional court rejected, on June 18, a new law combating hate speech online, Germany is determined to double down on the issue by strengthening its existing legislation. These diverging national developments deepen the conundrum European lawmakers are facing in the digital realm, making it harder for the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, to design its new key digital legislation on platform liability: the Digital Services Act (DSA)...

The COVID-19 pandemic has nudged Indian decision makers to escalate their focus on harnessing technology in various sectors. Recently, newer technology solutions have helped achieve key results in crucial issues and segments like healthcare, food security, education and supply chain in the entire manufacturing space...

Even if you’ve never heard of Dungeons & Dragons, you’re familiar with the fight to get your messages out. It’s a battle to cut through the noise and reach your audiences. Sometimes competitors and the news cycle seem like monsters. So, we’re taking a page from the Player’s Handbook. Here are some lessons communicators can learn from our favorite tabletop roleplaying game...

Corporate offices in the United States are beginning to reopen as social distancing mandates tied to COVID-19 ease. The hope is that businesses across the country can return to normal. But a lasting threat from the pandemic exists on the cyber front. Companies are now facing a potential “doomsday” scenario that could play out over months, if not years...

Governments and the travel industry will both need to earn trust through the actions that they take to revitalise tourism in the wake of COVID-19. That was the central outtake of an APCO Worldwide webinar, held in association with The Ambassador Partnership, that examined the pressures, priorities, parameters and practicalities of enabling tourism to recover and making mass travel feasible again, with differing timelines and considerations for every country in determining the steps required and when they can be applied...

The COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges we have faced globally to support learning have also, once again, brought to light significant inequities in the opportunities available to young people who have access to high-speed internet and those who do not...

The COVID-19 crisis has given a boost to those who want the EU to play a bigger role in health. Only time will tell if EU Member States are really willing to take the jump and commit to a true “Europe of Health.”..

While there won’t be parades this year, it doesn’t mean that Pride is canceled altogether. Rather, it is an opportunity for brands and corporations to turn flashy shows of support into action. It is a time for change...

COVID-19 has had a profound impact around the world. The use of digital technology to facilitate effective communication has intensified and cutting-edge tech is booming...

The COVID-19 crisis has proved that while it’s possible to provide the vast majority of learning virtually—and schools and universities around the world should be given huge credit for achieving what they have in such a short space of time—the sudden and complete shift to e-learning has put significant pressure on the families of school-aged children...

Transportation companies have taken a range of measures to preserve the safety of their employees. With this experience, they can lead through the recovery to showcase what has worked and drive best practice adoption in other sectors...

China's Two Sessions opened on May 21 and served as an opportunity to demonstrate control over the pandemic and outline a blueprint for the country’s future development...

Mental health and mental wellbeing are obvious points of consideration during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. What have historically been taboo discussion topics—both inside and outside the corporate world—are now easily looming as a true known second-order health crisis...

With the world hitting reset and states reopening, this is a seminal moment to ask, “what if?” What if outcomes that once felt far beyond the transportation industry’s reach are now in sight?..

The COVID-19 crisis has put a unique spotlight on food and food systems, revealing both strengths and weaknesses across sectors and practices. In some ways, it has placed consumers on a level playing field, but also exposed some deep inequalities...

Media relations and social media communications are more important than ever during this time of fast-paced news cycles and endless Twitter debates, driven by the global COVID-19 pandemic...

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new Israeli government will operate under “emergency” status for the first six months, advancing legislation solely related to the virus and its impact...

On May 17, 2020, Israel’s 35th government was sworn in, actualizing a power-sharing agreement between incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz...

Research demonstrates that it is critical for brands to use their advertising to amplify their COVID-19 efforts and solidify their role in the community. As you develop advertising messaging here are three things to focus on as you build the right message...

APCO Worldwide’s team in Paris recently published a study on the CAC 40 CEOs’ communication strategies since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten CEOs have particularly distinguished themselves as leaders during the crisis...

In the financial sector, leaders who are able to read the emerging social landscape—and are willing to lead through their values and actions—will have the most opportunities to come back from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger...

The German constitutional court recently caused huge waves with its 5 May ruling on the legality, under German law, of the European Central Bank's bond purchasing programme—an essential element of the EU’s plan to reduce the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic...

While the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area plan has reached a number of milestones, it has faced several setbacks. Foreign companies that tailor their strategy to the plan’s ambitions and priorities are best placed to benefit from its ambitious agenda...

The food industry, from farms to restaurants to retail to the tables of consumers, has been upended by COVID-19. This has resulted in a forced shift in the supply chain and could change how the world produces and consumes food well into the future...

One of the most jarring consequences of a pandemic in our interconnected world has been the restriction of individual movement. The freedom to travel, locally or abroad, has been limited. Beyond canceled vacations, the travel, tourism and hospitality industries have been crippled and only recently, experts began imagining the future of travel in a post-COVID-19 world...

The world has changed and while you need to be aware and evolve, you can’t go quiet until you need your advocates again. A campaign that is nimble in managing against the evolving landscape and demonstrates an understanding of who its advocates are and what information they need to be able to take meaningful action is always going to be impactful. ..

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally impacted how health systems and hospitals operate. In a recent roundtable discussion, APCO Worldwide Senior Director Bill Pierce spoke with APCO International Advisory Council Members Kavita Patel and Peter Urbanowicz about what health organizations must do to Come Back Stronger from this crisis...

New research from APCO Insight on the COVID-19 pandemic shows that Americans view technology as more important than ever, with three in four saying that the industry has an important role to play in finding innovative solutions...

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, patients will push many healthcare providers out of their comfort zones. Healthcare providers will need to meet the needs of this new normal, be agile and focus on deepening the relationships they have with their patients—or work to establish them—to succeed in both business and in health...

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep countries around the world under lockdown, there is an increased focus on the health sector, from the brave frontline health workers and critical researchers to biopharmaceutical companies and academic institutions racing to find a treatment and vaccine. The pandemic has highlighted, albeit in a painful manner, the critical role of these healthcare professionals in ensuring a healthy, productive society, the continued need for innovation and access to essential health services...

Resilient organizations must act now to establish their foothold to come back stronger, recognizing there will be varying degrees of coming back...

With the COVID-19 pandemic currently dominating the public discourse and political decision making, it appears that the climate debate has somewhat become less prominent on the public agenda. However, this does not mean that green issues have become less relevant...

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made agreement on the future of the UK-EU relationship by December 2020 quite unrealistic...

The current crisis has brought to the fore some of the most salient issues we face as humanity. The decisions we make now will either leapfrog our progress on these major challenges or cause us to slide back in time as we retrench and de-risk...

The economic shock of COVID-19 is being felt by American workers and retail investors as the country registers 17 million applications for unemployment and absorbs painful stock market losses. A recent survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by APCO Worldwide offers insights for business leaders and communicators as they work to navigate the weeks and months ahead...

COVID-19 has forced the 2020 campaigns—much less our connections with friends and family—into virtual mode for the foreseeable future...

To get a better sense of how working parents are faring and how employers can help, APCO Insight conducted a pulse survey on March 31 of the U.S. general public and singled out parents working from home...

It has been less than a week since Sir Keir Starmer was elected leader of the UK Labour Party yet it already feels like a lifetime. With the party still reeling from its historic loss in the December General Election and Coronavirus dominating the news cycle, the opposition’s challenges are significant but not insurmountable...

COVID-19 is creating challenges never seen before in many of the nation’s hospital health systems. The new normal is creating a threat to staff health, morale and confidence in their leadership...

New research from APCO Insight explores is how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting Americans’ attitudes and behaviors related to healthcare, measuring their views on the resilience and evolution of healthcare systems and the value of vaccines...

It is in the times of adversity that radical transformations are often easier to achieve. The global pandemic offers a key moment to rethink the way we consume and operate and make a positive change to become truly sustainable and circular...

As painful, bewildering and traumatic as the past few weeks have been for businesses and society at large, one thing is clear: what we should really be hoping for is a return to ‘a new normal’—a world where we apply the many learnings of the current crisis and emerge stronger...

As more of the world works remotely, video allows us to remain seen and heard. But when the situation calls for recording video with a mobile phone, how can you ensure you look and sound your best?..

While in-person events may be the preferred method for many gatherings, virtual events can—with proper planning—be an effective way to educate, engage and inspire your audience...

The greatest opportunity in this time of crisis are for companies to demonstrate their know-how and expertise through partnering in “new infrastructure” projects. Besides the potential to partner on large-scale endeavors, companies that are actively engaging with China will shape tomorrow’s infrastructure standards and lay the foundations for long-term success...

There is an impetus, urgency, and abundant opportunity to build and shape partnerships that can multiply impact and help us all emerge stronger from this crisis. Societal expectations of the private sector have never been higher and what companies do during the COVID-19 will have direct implications on their global reputation and license to operate—both locally and globally...

Navigating our new world in this time of crisis is not easy. From a media relations and storytelling perspective, now is the time to be sensitive and thoughtful, and to lay the groundwork for the future. ..

We send our deepest condolences to Roger's family during this difficult time and encourage you to share your thoughts and memories of Roger in the comments...

COVID-19 has moved faster than any country or company could have imagined or prepared for. Focusing on your organization’s purpose can help employees feel a sense of normalcy and ensure that they are thinking about the future...

The most impactful piece of advice, which I learned in a rather unorthodox way, is to advocate not only for yourself but for your teammates as well. This simple lesson in transparency and advocacy is even more relevant today, as companies consider diversity, equity and inclusion practices at greater lengths...

The way I have been coping is by consciously noticing and intentionally acknowledging the many bright spots in our daily lives and keeping things in perspective...

Women's History Month reminds us that taking the time to have meaningful conversations and to discuss these crucial issues is critical to enacting change, but that more can and should be done...

Diversity of thought makes society and businesses stronger and more resilient. At APCO, we know that diverse thinking spurs creativity, unites teams and enhances client services. ..

While stressing the importance of celebrating our past, The Next 100 focused on creating a better future for the next generation of young female leaders. I hope that crafting a new narrative through actionable steps will inspire our employees, current and future, to build this new reality...

If there’s one silver lining to the dark pandemic cloud hanging over all of us, everywhere, it’s that we can apply the rude awakening to our shared vulnerabilities to accelerate a more proactive, preventative and protective approach to health...

For potentially eligible companies, it is critical to understand all of the options available and to move as efficiently as possible to apply for and receive the funds which they are entitled to, and to position themselves for relief under future stimulus packages...

Even in a moment when brands are publicly embracing diversity and inclusion, we are still not talking about one of the most crucial pillars of our society: money...

To accelerate diversity and inclusion in the financial services industry, CEOs need to set the tone at the top, organizations need to embrace system thinking and data around talent management and brand-builders need to instill empathy to create more inclusive growth..

Intelligence from APCO Worldwide’s proprietary COVID-19 Response Index (CRI) show that brands such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Pepsi are underperforming in consumer online conversations despite having pushed out messages of reassurance, hope, and health...

As companies face unprecedented challenges due to the global pandemic, it is more important than ever before to have diverse representation in management decision-making...

New research from APCO Insight shows that concerns about the impact of COVID-19 are high in the Arabian Gulf...

Diversity brings benefits such as enhanced creativity and better decision-making as employees with different backgrounds bring various viewpoints and strengths to the table...

Performance data increasingly demonstrate superior long-term financial results from companies taking action on Social, Environmental and Governance (ESG) factors material to their business. Profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive.   ..

For organizations, the economy and our communities to thrive when we come out of this global crisis, we must plan now. There are steps that organizations can take to help establish a stronger foothold, so we all come out of this stronger. ..

With a significant number of employees now working remotely, how can organizations ensure that their people are productive, engaged and connected? We share some trends and best practices...

As industry professionals, we have a responsibility to seek the truth and only share information from credible sources. As people and a community, we must always strive for an univocal relationship with the truth in everything we share...

As the coronavirus outbreak rapidly progresses, HR departments across all companies can and should be fully engaged and at the forefront to demonstrate caring and become part of the solution. ..

The coronavirus is leading many companies in the United States to encourage their employees to work from home. While many miles may separate them from their onsite colleagues, a new APCO Insight survey of U.S. employees shows that remote workers are not so different from their in-office counterparts. ..

Following two failed attempts to form a government, Israelis went to the polls again on March 2, 2020, for an unprecedented third time in less than a year. APCO's Tel Aviv team provides insights and analysis on the results...

Like everything important in life, the phrase “Black History Month” (BHM) triggers a variety of emotions for people of all races and ethnicities—some positive, some neutral and unfortunately, some negative depending on the person...

Workplace culture reflects the company’s overall personality but essentially, it is the environment that surrounds us all the time. A positive culture drives productivity, efficiency, increases retention, promotes teamwork and reinforces an environment that encourages growth...

Today, enhancing the engagement of employees is critical to a company’s near and long-term successes and helps to retain the best talent. Based on our experience in Japan, here are three key elements that global companies should consider...

For any business, building a culture does not happen overnight. It is a process that needs to evolve over time and allow for wider interpretation to include a wider set of stakeholders, as the business grows. But for now, the question is: where to does it start?..

Over the last five years, the idea of “purpose” and the role it can play in creating alignment and driving value for an organization and its employees has gained a lot of traction...

In recent years, ESG, sustainability, inclusion and diversity have become common buzz words in business, particularly in financial services. Executives understand that they need to promote these issues to attract top talent and improve their bottom line, and top companies are now racing to do this better than their competitors...

By maximizing the potential of the people within, learning & development can take a business from good to great. But creating a learning culture is a long-term talent strategy that requires a top-down mindset shift from organizational leadership and a dedicated vision for what is yet to come...

Today, more companies are learning how to offset workplace stressors by creating a happy place to work. They now realize that happiness is essential for their employees’ success—and for the success of their business...

With four generations working together, today’s workplace offers a wide range and dynamic combination of experience, expectations and priorities. We asked three APCO Worldwide colleagues to share their views on the workplace, how it has changed and what they see as the most important future considerations for companies as they look to create a culture that is inclusive for a multi-generational workforce...

Employees are seeking more than just a paycheck and benefits in the jobs they hold. Crucial are top executives’ integrity and candor, along with the organization’s mission and values...

The launch of “Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan: Let’s strive for more,” set out to emanate a sense of unity and harmony. Sharing their personal experiences, the EU’s top politicians from both the European Commission and European Parliament became one with other cancer survivors to show that “the personal has become political.”..

With the UK Prime Minister adamant that he wants to conclude the next phase of negotiations on the future trading relationship by 31 December, this leaves an unprecedentedly short period to avoid a cliff-edge “hard” Brexit. As the phase 2 negotiations kick off, APCO’s team in London, Paris and Brussels examine the negotiating positions of the UK and EU, and the prospects for a deal...

Much like the game itself, Super Bowl LIV advertisers played it pretty safe with their offerings. Bill Dalbec, managing director of APCO Insight, takes a closer look at the commercials, companies and brands that aligned to a higher purpose of advocating on behalf of their key stakeholders on game day...

A new APCO Insight survey of 1,000 U.S. adults finds most Americans are planning to watch the Super Bowl, with high engagement about the well-hyped commercials and a slight rooting favorite...

Anna Tunkel, head of global strategic initiatives & partnerships at APCO Worldwide, shared nine key takeaways from Davos 2020...

While Chinese and global public health officials fight the current coronavirus epidemic, it is important to step back and examine the underlying causes of this outbreak. We are likely to see a continuation of infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics in the future and learning from this epidemic may help prevent or mitigate the impact of future epidemics...

APCO’s Greater China team takes a closer look at the U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement and assesses where the deal is now, compared to where the two countries started...

The last decade has shown us that our world is getting more complicated, and as we begin 2020—and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the World Economic Forum (WEF)—it is an opportune time to reflect on the changing nature of corporate leadership...

Japan serves as an important example of how local cultures and customs can impact a company’s strategy for corporate social responsibility and leadership in markets around the world...

To get the most out of Industry 4.0 technologies, organizations must invest heavily in building capabilities in data and connectivity, analytics and intelligence, conversion to the physical world and human-machine interaction. This calls for a new approach to leadership...

In today’s era of polarizing politics and gridlocked policy, companies’ ability to take a stand is becoming more important than ever before. While selecting an appropriate cause can be challenging, it can also be extremely rewarding, both financially and reputationally...

Given the disruptive changes that we are witnessing in many parts of the world, the notion of leadership takes on a different meaning. Communication, emotional intelligence and soft skills are more important than ever before...

From corporate boardrooms to headquarters of multilateral organizations and NGOs to government offices, Anna Tunkel, head of global strategic initiatives at APCO Worldwide, takes a closer look at the top priority issues on the global agenda at the start of this new decade...

There have been countless 2020 trends posts written as we enter the new decade. APCO's European digital team takes a closer look at which of the many-predicted trends will matter most to our industry in 2020 and beyond...

As part of a push for high quality development, the Chinese government has increased calls for sustainability and environmental protection under the umbrella of “green development.” Under this context, an increasing number of socially responsible domestic businesses have emerged to demonstrate their role in supporting government priorities...

Panelists agreed that the priority should be to ensure Europe’s capacity to compete in AI and to develop a good framework to attract investment, and incentivize industry involvement and innovation in healthcare. ..

Johnson undoubtedly took a risk by holding an election in winter while Brexit was still in limbo, but today this gamble has paid off almost beyond his most optimistic expectations...

Major global events provide excellent platforms for companies to demonstrate and strengthen their thought leadership in tackling global issues, and some of the major international events that will take place in 2020 will help to develop tangible and intangible legacies for future generation...

As we look ahead to 2020, at least in an ideal world, every designer should be aware of the implications and effects of the tools we use, and the products, services, campaigns and brands we research, plan and enable across societies...

In the United States, the issue of how to address prescription drug pricing will certainly be a hot button topic ahead of the 2020 election. The time is now for pharma companies to act and offer real and impactful solutions that help patients, while calling out elements of the healthcare system that create barriers to access in exchange for profit...

Key trends, such as millennials beginning to turn 40, the need for technology to help people and ESG's new status as a must-have, not a nice-to-have, all present market obstructions for the financial sector. Companies need to rewire their strategic thinking, offerings and communications to connect with today’s customers, borrowers, investors and workforce...

Technology is a ubiquitous constant in our everyday lives—essential in all sectors ranging from energy and financial services, to retail and healthcare. With so much potential for economic and geopolitical influence for those that lead and control technological advancements, nations and businesses alike have deep vested interests in relevant policies and trends...

With the upcoming 2020 U.S. Presidential election set lead to an increased focus on the polling industry, here are a few keys to help you navigate the polling deluge to come in 2020 and how it can apply to your business, whether you’re conducting research or building a business plan...

While the U.S. presidential election is set to dominate geopolitical discussion, there are four other votes, also scheduled for next year, for business leaders to keep an eye on around the world...

In the retail sector, we have witnessed the profound impact of new technology, but how that technology can be harnessed for the greater good is the question consumers will be asking in 2020 and beyond. Are brands ready to answer it?..

I foresee 2020 being a year which crystallises change. Organisations that are slow to adapt to the increased focus on the value of business in society may find it hard to recover their position in the eyes of consumers and even their own workforce...

With five generations now working side-by-side in many organizations, we expect to see an even greater focus on internal communications in 2020 as companies understand the importance of keeping their generationally-diverse workforce informed and engaged...

In the coming year, we will see brands investing more in analytics and finding new ways to leverage data sets to create customized, transparent and credible experiences that continue to inform and achieve quality (over quantity) results...

Corporations in all sectors are facing massive changes in energy sources. While thinking about the means and ways of reducing their CO2 footprint, they must also try to secure a reliable and economical supply of power and heat...

China is set to overtake the United States as the world’s largest aviation market by the mid-2020s. Despite its slowing economic growth, the country’s booming middle class offers significant potential for future market expansion as more people opt for air travel, be it for business or leisure...

When looking to influence European financial policy, determining who matters, means organizations should focus on three interesting and important participants...

With many B2B and B2C audiences now getting their financial insights through social media, financial companies must consider incorporating digital influencers as part of a well-designed communications strategy. ..

Influencers don’t just sell products. Some of the most successful influencer-PR partnerships involve endorsing a movement or driving a shift in perception...

A recent APCO Insight survey measured the U.S. public’s perception of influencers, their motivations and what characteristics matter when evaluating their advice. APCO President Evan Kraus shares what it means for brands...

As the proliferation of social content from corporations and brands continues, the future of effective and authentic stakeholder engagement and influence lies in employee advocates...

Influencing activists to effectively engage the target audience is difficult. Focusing on targeted and trusted outreach and highlighting the urgency of their own action can set an advocacy campaign apart...

Patient consumers are increasingly influencing the future of healthcare. In this competitive and democratized environment, health providers and companies need to become more agile in the way they communicate...

Four APCO colleagues share their impressions and takeaways from ColorComm Network's NextGen Conference, November 2019...

While it is often difficult to balance the competing demands of different stakeholders, business is under increasing pressure to meet growing expectations around the world...

When developing advocacy campaigns, organizations will do well to consider the impact of integrating digital communications intended for policy elites into their grassroots efforts and direct lobbying activities. Doing so will deepen their impact and put organizations in a better place to succeed...

For people working in public relations and political communications, the notion of alternative facts presents many challenges. As an industry, we need to become more discerning about fact-checking to recognise exploitation for what it is, and more importantly to have an unambiguous relationship with the truth, whatever the channel or form of communication...

In China, significant opportunities exist for foreign enterprises to align with the government’s ambitious healthcare reform goals and influence the future of the country's health sector...

In an effort to curb mounting mental health concerns, Instagram announced this month its intention to make the number of likes a post receives on the platform only available to the user. This move will have significant implications for brands and influencers online, especially as they move to demonstrate value, authority and engagement for followers...

APCO observed some noticeable changes on the ground that present opportunities for foreign companies to leverage the CIIE for public affairs purposes...

The challenges of today’s interdependent and interconnected world dictate responses and issue management that require leadership based on sensitivity, adaptability and agility...

While watching Evil Dead 2 recently for the 20th time, I suddenly realized horror tropes are metaphors for what it’s like to be a career creative sometimes. Here's how:..

Twitter is stepping back from political ads; what does that mean for issue and advocacy campaigns?..

APCO CEO Brad Staples joined Bloomberg Markets to share insights on the challenges that business leaders face today and discuss the need to engage on social issues in an informed and cautious way...

We’re operating in a divisive digital environment where people are actively advocating for issues, only engaging with brands that align with their values and being openly vocal about brands they think are doing it wrong. The pressure is on for companies to continually push towards and build authentic connections with their key audiences...

How people spend their money is the reflection of what they care about. Consumers of the future have their own wants, and it is the responsibility of every corporate communicator to lean in, listen and craft an approach to deliver them...

Fundamental trends are shaping the future of the travel and hospitality industry. It will be those destinations that can adapt and cater to these evolving expectations that will succeed as travelers seek new and dynamic experiences around the world...

Flying under the radar has been a common strategy for many companies that did not want to be involved in sensitive issues. However, there is no space left under the radar today. The expectation is that companies act, and those actions must connect to their values and culture. ..

To be prepared for tomorrow, companies need to build their reputation equity with the consumers of the future and the only way to do this is by being authentic. Companies need to act now by paying attention and showcasing their support for social causes...

Today, advertisers have more mediums than ever before to deliver their messages. Whatever creative messaging or clever medium is used in the future, one old-fashioned principle will continue to be critical to winning and retaining consumers—trustworthiness...

Some of the biggest brands in the retail business have moved to an omnichannel approach, which looks to provide customers with a fulfilling, vibrant and engaging experience with the brand or product...

Even with a shrinking number of print outlets, there are plentiful opportunities today to get our stories and messages in front of and shared among our target audiences. The way people consume media is going to continue to evolve, but the role of media relations in the communications mix remains complex and relevant...

For a long time, communicators have said that we need to reach, target and engage our consumers with great creative. Instead, we need to be expanding how we talk about creative to reach the consumers of the future...

APCO's Flor Marenco-Adelberg shares key lessons and takeaways from the Design Matters 19 conference in Copenhagen...

In today's world, how can organizations engage with important events that they weren't invited to? APCO's Dan Smith shares a few digital tips and tricks to make your presence felt at events, even if you don't have any boots on the ground...

The investors of today understand that successful companies need to be able to drive innovation and deliver transformative solutions that benefit customers and society...

APCO's 2019 TradeMarks study shows that, while trade associations may have their challenges, being an effective policy advocate is not one of them...

The Prime Minister in recent days has finally revealed his proposals to resolve the Brexit impasse. Under his plan the hated Northern Ireland backstop would be ditched and replaced by the whole of the UK leaving the European Union’s customs union...

Communicators are often asked to help corporate executives strengthen their thought leadership efforts through the use of social channels. Our Dominique Scott shares tips and tricks for how to build an impactful senior executive thought leadership program on social media via PR News...

In today’s world, where some multinationals are larger than national economies, and where a 16-year-old activist can mobilize more people than politicians, there is clearly a role for institutional leaders to lead the charge and serve as beacons of hope for solving the world’s most pressing problems...

China’s participation in the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, held at the UN Headquarters in New York on September 23, marks another major milestone in the development of China’s environmental protection policies...

With the global health community closely watching the UN's milestone High-Level Meeting on universal health coverage, Andrei Goldis takes a closer look at the World Health Organization's role in the evolving global healthcare landscape...

In Japan, perhaps now more than ever, multilateral institutions and their initiatives command the respect of public and private sectors. Despite a number of geopolitical issues plaguing the country, governments and privately-owned businesses still look to international standards to guide their practices...

In healthcare, change is everywhere, affecting every patient and healthcare provider. More changes are coming, all with very few Rose Garden signing ceremonies. Buckle up for more change in 2020...

Addressing the climate emergency is on the top of the agenda for this year’s 74th meeting of the UNGA. While there will be a ton of popular activism and eye-catching business commitments, meaningful government collaboration may be lacking...

For the second time in 2019, Israel went to the polls on September 17th. APCO team in Tel Aviv takes a closer look at the results, next steps and implications from the elections...

For leaders from international organizations, NGOs, academia, media and global companies, UNGA provides a vital opportunity. Here are three things to look for at this year's general assembly...

For organizations looking to use digital targeting to support their public affairs efforts, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t possible when it comes to individual or small group targeting using paid social, as well as best practices for reaching the right individuals and achieving the best result possible...

After an unexpected summer crisis, Italy officially has a new government led once again by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. APCO’s team in Italy shares three things to know about the situation, and insights on key pieces of the government’s new agenda...

UNGA Week is one of the most inclusive and anticipated events on our global calendar, encompassing the most prolific voices and organizations that are working to shape a more prosperous future for all. Here are some tips and tricks on how people and brands can make their voice heard during one of the most crowded weeks in the digital space...

AI has a huge potential to revolutionize healthcare, but over-hyping AI can undermine the credibility of the promise...

Recent presidential tweets “ordering” U.S. companies to begin looking for alternatives to manufacturing in China raised many questions and concerns among business leaders. Looking forward, it’s critical for corporate leaders to stay informed and be prepared to act...

Discussions around AI and its potential impact are becoming increasingly common in corporate boardrooms around the world. To understand how consumers view the adoption of AI in the marketplace, APCO asked the American public about its perceptions and understandings of the technology...

Global companies need to be aware of the policy landscape and understand how governments around the world are dealing with AI. APCO’s team of global experts took a closer look at current state of AI policy in key markets around the world...

As countries and companies rush to develop new artificial intelligence technologies and usher in an AI-integrated society, their leaders must also take the time to recognize the importance of rules and guidelines for ethical AI development...

The impending launch of 5G has prompted what many consider to be a 21st century arms race. In Israel, 5G represents a window of opportunity for western multinational telecoms companies...

Organizations that follow best-in-class AI ethical principles will be the leaders in their unique competitive sets, and their collective intelligence increases the odds of AI becoming a better and more human partner in our lives...

Artificial intelligence has unleashed a new wave of digital disruption, and we are already seeing its application and benefits across the communications industry spectrum...

With the rise of AI, we have the best tools in history at our disposal to solve complex problems. Companies need to stay ahead of the curve and embrace the change, or risk playing catch up...

This is the first time in Israel's history that national elections are being held twice in one year. While the issues from the April elections remain core concerns for the Israeli public, here are some additional factors to consider in the lead up to the September elections...

As new generations enter the workforce, what can APCO and others do to improve communication within teams and throughout offices?..

Understanding who and what influence decision makers online allows communicators to make more informed decisions about indirect influence strategies..

As the media partner for Future Festival Chicago, we had the opportunity to participate in this unique and inspiring all-day conference. Here are our main takeaways...

During the Conservative Party leadership election, in Boris Johnson’s first speech on the steps of Downing Street and after the most dramatic Cabinet reshuffle in decades, Brexit remains the number one concern of the British political class...

Companies have an unprecedented chance to use their vision and values to influence the social landscape, take a stand and make a meaningful difference. It is what society wants to see, and employees are demanding...

As executives grapple with growing consumer expectations and new regulatory regimes, standout companies will embrace these changing dynamics instead of hiding from them. But truly adopting values of protecting consumer privacy and baking in security measures by design requires the C-suite reaching outside of the standard chorus of voices, gaining insight from diverse perspectives...

In today’s competitive business environment, a clear, well-thought-out set of vision and values, backed by action, can help organizations reach key business objectives, attract the best talent and protect their reputation...

In a world where companies are desperately trying to attract talent, the bottom line is simple: when employees feel better, they perform better...

While it’s less common to see someone getting praised in the press for their adherence to strict values, every health company we admire has a strong hand at the helm, guiding the company towards more ethical positions and setting an example for employees to make ethical decisions every day...

Vision and values are a covenant with external stakeholders. They are the promise made, and C-suite leaders need to ensure that the company’s vision and values are a corporate hallmark not an Achille’s heel during a crisis...

A corporation’s conscience is the road map guiding company culture and foresight. A C-suite that clearly exemplifies and communicates how company philosophy will live and breathe is a crucial factor for whether corporate consciousness will remain trapped on paper or permeate the culture and drive a company to unity and success...

When it comes to effective values initiatives, it’s often less about the words that are used, and more about the actions that a company is willing to take to bring their values to life. Values need to be reflected in people’s day-to-day experience to truly resonate...

If you are truly committed to maximizing business performance, attracting and retaining the best talent, and contributing to a broader societal mission, then you also must do the work to define (or more ideally, co-create) your company’s core values, to establish internal programs and processes that reinforce them, and to integrate them into every aspect of the business, every expression of the brand. ..

As climate issues are on top of the European and international agendas, energy company executives need to rethink their current approach and consider creating corporate models that meet the needs of a growing population in diverse economies in a sustainable way...

At a recent APCO Forum discussion in Brussels, participants discussed the opportunities, priorities and conditions for a thriving AI-powered industry in Europe...

On 23 July, the UK will have a new Prime Minister. APCO’s experts in London and Brussels consider how the top two candidates would approach Brexit as Prime Minister, and how EU leaders are likely to respond...

On 23 July, the UK will have a new Prime Minister. APCO’s experts in London and Brussels consider how the top two candidates would approach Brexit as Prime Minister, and how EU leaders are likely to respond...

After the transformation in PR prompted by digital, we are once again at another inflection point. There is an upsurge in public affairs today. There are a number of skill sets which go into making a successful 'Public Affairs' professional and inherent skill sets present in PR professionals uniquely positions them to take advantage and diversify their career opportunities in 'Public Affairs'...

Simon McGee reflects on Boris Johnson’s record as foreign secretary and mayor of London, and looks ahead to the prime minister he may become...

Following the admissions scandals at some of the nation’s most highly-regarded universities, including allegations that athletic coaches received payments to admit students who had little or no experience, the universities took many of the right steps that a crisis consultant would recommend...

It has been almost nine months since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published its landmark report on global warming. The report shook the world with its warnings about the need to immediately cut carbon emissions or risk global catastrophe...

The role of the CEO as a business or corporate diplomat for their company reflects a reset in politics, business and society...

In the wake of Europe’s seismic political shifts, it is more important than ever to understand Brussels...

The transatlantic partnership between the United States and European allies has been the foundation of American foreign policy and economic priorities, but the unpredictable nature of recent developments has affected perceptions of United States-Europe relations: Americans aren’t quite sure what to think...

Procurement optimization can add immense value to your business, and in an evolving social landscape, procurement organizations are starting to diversify their suppliers. Here are three important factors for diverse suppliers to keep in mind when forming relationships and negotiating with procurement officers...

The cost of leaving the EU—in terms of investment, jobs and competitiveness—is beginning to look very high. And while politics may trump economics for a while, the higher the cost, the greater the doubts...

Businesses across the region and around the world are looking to Europe with a keen eye on its future. APCO’s team of experts shares insights on the future of various European sectors...

Europe is a very different place since the previous Japanese acquisition waves, and Japanese business leaders need to adapt their approach and be aware of the changes Europe is undergoing...

In the midst of fierce competition and seemingly occupied business space, there still are geopolitical, strategic and economic opportunities for European businesses...

The future of the European markets will likely see new shifts of power and a highly-fragmented political and social landscapes that companies need to be ready to navigate...

As the dust settles from Europe’s continent-wide exercise of democracy, with politicians patting themselves on the back for the welcomed increase in voter turnout, what will the next five years bring for business?..

For many, corporate purpose has been co-opted and exploited. So, what can brands do to change that and take a meaningful stance?..

Cannabis is quickly becoming the “next big thing” on the cusp of breaking through all aspects of society: from medicine and beauty to food and beverages. Here are three key elements for brands and communication professionals to consider when prepping for its U.S. market entry...

To quickly respond in a credible and effective manner, communicators must change their approach to crisis management. They must proactively utilize research capabilities to gain accurate, actionable intelligence on the issue at hand as well as the expectations of key stakeholder audiences...

After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was unable to form a new coalition government, Israel's Knesset voted to dissolve itself and hold repeat elections...

The traditional media industry is in a state of upheaval. To best counsel clients, as practitioners, we must not only keep abreast of new developments but understand how the evolving media landscape will affect our clients’ stories...

Although Britain’s 2019 European Parliament election was never meant to happen, it has already triggered at least one election, and could end up having a decisive impact on British politics for years to come...

On May 12, Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Eli Cohen signed a directive that greatly expands the terms and conditions for Israelis to conduct personal imports...

We can expect the EU and Japan to have an increasing impact on the future of digital regulation, given their common values and shared economic interests in the digital economy...

India's significant employability gap is a real concern for global organizations operating in India, but it presents an opportunity for companies to partner with the government to ensure that there are an adequate number of bridge programs for the millions of fresh college graduates that pass through the portals of the education system year on year...

During a time when half of leaders and mid-level managers anticipate challenges with hiring and retaining qualified workers, a strong Enterprising Culture can be a differentiating factor in future-proofing an organization...

For our workforce to be successful, it is more important than ever to be ready for marketplace disruption and for employers to be open to employees driving solutions and providing them with the necessary access to learning opportunities at the workplace...

In this highly competitive world where much is at stake, companies need to create as advantageous a work environment as possible for their employees...

Today’s workforce is the most educated, globally-mobile, gender-balanced and ethnically diverse ever. To convert all of that potential energy into a world-changing force, organizations of all types, sizes and geographies must acknowledge the structural changes that have and are reshaping the employer-employee relationship...

"The war for talent" is not a new phrase, but even today, and perhaps even more so in the future, the war continues. To win, employers must continually keep abreast of what current and future employees are looking for...

The way companies can stay ahead and meet the challenges of the future is by enacting key practices that contribute to a learning culture. Companies of any size can begin implementing these practices tomorrow to build a learning culture...

Market pressures have made universities more mindful of the need to make sure that their graduates are job-ready. Colleges and universities are nurturing career readiness through employers, internships and innovative courses...

It’s easy for conversations about new technology to devolve into fears of a dystopian world. To gain trust and bring the public along, the benefits of the technology must be clearly evident to justify the losses...

Deciding to participate in the Belt and Road has always come with the potential for economic opportunities as well as possible risks and challenges. Companies need to consider all aspects of potential partnerships...

How does China’s social media landscape differ from the west? Who are the biggest players, and how can foreign companies leverage them? Here are the three key things multinational companies need to know about China’s current social media landscape, and how it differs from the west...

At APCO’s recent Brazda Breakfast Briefing, health care experts, along with two former administrators for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, took questions from reporters about “Medicare for All” proposals...

The audiences of today and tomorrow can no longer be reached through mainstream, traditional methods. To reach them with positions, concepts, ideas or products, business leaders and marketers must use the language of the new age of information...

Taking a stance on social and political issues is no longer enough for corporate leaders to receive recognition and trust from the public and other stakeholders. It is actions that speak for corporations’ attitude and allow them to stand out from competitors...

Today’s polarized political climate has created a difficult advocacy environment for companies and associations to accomplish nearly anything. Ganging up on a problem together, while often difficult to corral, significantly increases the odds of success...

The convergence of rising expectations of corporations, live to work culture and commitment to our company’s mission has given rise to this new phenomenon of employee activism. Business decisions need to take this into account...

To better understand the expectations placed on businesses by society and leaders today, we surveyed a select group of 16 members of APCO’s International Advisory Council (IAC), and asked them to share their perspective on social risk...

High expectations and the eroded control of the corporate narrative have joined forces to create a new category of enterprise risk: Social Risk. Companies who integrate social risk into their strategic planning will earn the license to sustainably operate in this new landscape...

APCO Worldwide’s Tel Aviv team shares insights and analysis on the 2019 Israeli Elections...

There are reasons to be optimistic and excited about the promise of machine learning in medicine, but the path and speed towards wider implementation is hard to predict...

With nationalism on the rise globally, including China, foreign multinational companies need new guidelines to manage crises in China’s new era. ..

APCO’s North America 2019 Women’s History Committee created a report featuring advice, anecdotes and insights from our colleagues in North America about growing your career, mitigating bias, closing the gender gap and the workplace of the future...

I wanted to share some insights into the why we felt it was important to convene in person, why any other organization should consider doing the same...

From climate change to fighting disease to reducing inequality gaps, business leaders need to better leverage global opportunities to convene existing and future partners around pressing global challenges...

The expertise and frameworks to ensure that the mathematical foundation of AI and machine learning algorithms are ethical and fair has not kept up...

APCO's Greater China team provides insights and analysis on China’s 2019 Two Sessions and shares what it means for global business. ..

Now that the EU's 'Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment’ Communication is here, what should the pharmaceutical sector expect?..

The best university presidents are the ones who think in an agile way. And they can teach CEOs something about upping their own agility game...

When I was a child, I knew when I grew up, I wanted to be a horse. Yes. A horse...

This year’s annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women is rumored to be an even bigger gathering than the General Assembly with more than 9,000 representatives...

Israel might not be the largest or most influential country in the world but APCO’s Tel Aviv office can guarantee that the upcoming Israeli Elections will have an effect on international relations in one form or another...

Closing the gender gap and achieving balance around the world requires different solutions for each market and industry. However, each of those solutions will require that we hold each other accountable...

Although regarded as an innovative country in many ways, Japan still has a lot to learn when it comes to gender equality...

It’s time for B2B companies to get on the bandwagon of paying attention to consumer expectations...

The rise of the internet has brought many advantages to society and connected people around the world. But the Digital World can be a harrowing place, and it can be particularly treacherous for women...

Diversity is a purposeful adventure and should be approached as such. This is what we celebrate when we elevate months like Black History Month – we celebrate the journey of all of us together...

When Chris began acting, he noticed a pattern of being assigned to racially-specific roles that were not as interesting as others. Chris brings insight into the similarities between acting in theater and working in a firm, and how he deals with people's prejudices...

To better understand the future of health care, members of APCO’s global team took a closer look at the industry and shared analysis on the issues that will define the sector moving forward...

The reality is that companies in the business of health have their purpose built-in: they exist to generate health. The question their leaders need to ask themselves is not how do we define our purpose but rather, how do we deliver on it? ..

To better understand the future of health care, and the challenges the industry faces, we surveyed a select group of 18 members of APCO’s International Advisory Council (IAC) and Health Advisory Board (HAB)...

When it comes to understanding what could happen in health care over the next two years, the guiding principle is maybe. Maybe the two sides will come together on a modest package of changes to federal law, or maybe they won’t. ..

Health is always undergoing change – what is new today, will certainly be old by tomorrow. Actors in the industry need to understand how patient preferences are evolving and driving innovation...

Two in three Americans (65%) believe health companies are making a positive impact on society, according to an APCO Insight poll. We took a closer look to investigate and understand what – and who – is driving this hopeful view...

Settlers of Catan is an apt metaphor for the geopolitical developments that accompany China’s rise to the world stage...

EU policymakers are keen on driving the Digital Agenda: digital technologies are regarded as a key enabler to advance societies and the overall European economy. This includes the health care sector and health services as a whole...

After an inconclusive election, followed by 131 days of political tug-of-war, Sweden finally has a government. Sectors affected by its reforms have a reason to work proactively to demonstrate what the reforms might mean to them, their customers, the climate and the economy...

APCO's Brittny O’Garro shares a personal reflection on what Black History Month Means to her...

Bill Dalbec, managing director of APCO Insight, takes a closer look at the Super Bowl LIII ads and what they mean for the brands behind them...

European brands are looking at Japan, the world’s third largest economy, as a new market to tap into. The Land of the Rising Sun is a market quite different from the West under many aspects. APCO's team shares insights on media relations in Japan...

Last week, all eyes were on Germany, which outlined its path towards a coal-free future: The instated Commission, consisting of industry representatives, trade association members, environmental group advocates, representatives of the German coal states and scientists, presented its final 330-page report, setting lignite and hard coal an end date by 2038 the latest...

Leaders can be more effective advocates for their company, employees, shareholders, stakeholders, or constituents by considering several key approaches to be mindful of in 2019. ..

As planned, the Danish conservative government last week published its proposal for a new health care reform in Denmark called "Patient First," intended to make the health care system in Denmark more patient-focused, better connected and with advanced quality of care and improved patient rights. ..

The World Economic Forum continually demonstrates that we don’t wait for progress—we create it. The world will look to the outcomes of the World Economic Forum as a milestone in global progress. Let’s set the stage of a new agile world...

Given that active leadership is such a key component to organizational agility, members of APCO’s global team took a closer look at which leaders are best positioned to succeed in a range of sectors and industries...

Agility is key for businesses, organizations and governments to be successful in today’s complex and interconnected global environment. To better understand leadership in 2019, we surveyed a select group of 23 members of APCO’s International Advisory Council (IAC), and asked them to share their perspective on the current state of global leadership...

The House of Commons 15 January vote against the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement was an extraordinary moment. For an incumbent government to lose on a major constitutional and international issue by more than two-thirds is unprecedented...

The German elections are approaching on September 24. While we expect Chancellor Angela Merkel to remain in office, we are experiencing a very exciting time nonetheless...

Europe's energy transition is certainly well underway, but has the progress on bringing the Energy Union project to life been fast enough? ..

Population health has become a pivotal strategic focus for health systems and large provider organizations in the United States as they strive to improve quality of care and reduce costs for the entire patient care journey and focus on maintaining health and well-being of the patient population through preventative care - not just acute care...

As corporate playbooks are getting re-written on a daily basis to keep up with this rapidly changing environment, companies are asking: How do I respond in this day and age? ..

In Germany, the exploratory talks on forming a coalition government collapsed last night. The country faces political instability...

On December 6, 2017, President Donald Trump’s address confirmed that the United States now recognizes Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. Roi Feder shares political and business analysis from President Trump’s Jerusalem speech...

I feel I have a tremendous responsibility to train and mentor the next generation of women leaders at all stages of their careers, not just in our profession but in business generally. ..

Earlier this week, on 28 May, the European Commission published its first proposal to review the European Union’s pharmaceutical innovation incentives...

A digital analysis of Americans’ perception of Emmanuel Macron...

The release coincides with COP23 in Bonn and with keeps the recent dieselgate scandal in mind,..

Majority of U.S. health care providers and opinion-leading consumers say single-payer system will lead to rationing of access to health care...

On November 1-2, Dubai held a bi-annual two-day “Africa Global Business Forum” to explore new business opportunities between the Gulf countries and Africa...

After nearly a decade of the French government trying to steadily decrease the price of drugs, it goes without saying that Emmanuel Macron’s pro-business program was eagerly anticipated by the pharmaceutical industry...

The “government of change”, should focus on the socio-economic issues of national security, public order and control of migratory flows, together with social welfare, pensions and tax reforms...

Health care providers (HCPs)are acutely aware of the impact of socio-political shifts on costs of care, which makes salient how HCPs view the "patient as partner" model. ..

There is a middling of morale amongst health care providers, leaving questions about the future sustainability of the profession...

Corporate communications expert Barie Carmichael takes a closer look a companies managing their social risks and shares a case study on Coca-Cola via the Washington Post...

APCO Insight engaged health care providers (HCP) to understand how recent changes have impacted these individuals and where they see the industry heading...

Italy sent shivers down Europe’ spine as anti-establishment Five Stars and hard right Lega formed a government almost two weeks ago. Companies, organisations and governments dealing with Italy will need to navigate a transformed and multi-layered landscape...

Emmanuel Macron was elected as the new French President on 7 May, and sworn into office on Sunday. Now is a good time to examine what the Brussels bubble is expecting of Mr. Macron...

Looking for the impact in the wider EU of President Macron’s first year in office, a hostile observer might well ask, “Where’s the beef?”..

Director Julie Kjestrup shares three key highlights on the European Union's recent carbon emissions vote...

In Brussels, the EU capital that Trump once referred to as a hellhole, the president’s decision to ditch the Paris climate agreement is met with outcry, but also with determination...

Italy has been without a government since elections on 4 March ended in a hung parliament. After more than 80 days, attempts to form a political government have failed...

As the UK prepares for its future outside of the European Union, the importance of soft power increases greatly...

Given the fraught political and social times we’re living in today, brands are stepping up to take a stand on issues seemingly more than ever. This is primarily due to consumers becoming more informed, louder and organized to put pressure on brands – all through the ubiquity of engagement on social media platforms...

APCO Partners with Crowdskout and the Grassroots Professional Network on New e-Book, “The Intersection of Innovation and Advocacy” ..

On October 18, 2017, the 19th NCCPC will be held in Beijing, presided over by President Xi Jinping who is expected to continue for a second five-year term as general secretary...

There were three winners and two losers who emerged from Austria’s election yesterday. The only party that achieved the same result as in the last election are the liberal NEOS. On Thursday, 19 October it will finally be announced which four, five or six parties will ultimately end up in Austria’s next parliament. ..

This year’s final round of the presidential election on May 7th will force voters to choose between two non-traditional political parties. Cody LeBlanc takes a look at the conversations surrounding it...

The United States, Canada and Mexico's winning bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup offers a tremendous opportunity for the host countries, the sport of soccer and brands looking to engage with the biggest tournament in international sports. ..

Yesterday, Angela Merkel was re-elected as German Chancellor, and her conservatives will lead the new government which has yet to be formed. Here's everything you need to know about the election results...

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the U.S. economy could lose upwards of $4 trillion in GDP and 2.5 million jobs because of the “infrastructure gap.”..

At this time of change, proponents of "future investment" must balance diverse stakeholder interests, negotiate generational disparity and navigate an evolving media environment. This is a prime moment for Japan’s PR industry to redefine its role as arbiter and communicator...

The story of Pride today has changed. Instead of the desperate “Why don’t you do something?” the question of Pride 2018 has become: “What are you doing?.”..

If your plans to shape the agenda on Capitol Hill and get results have focused on Republican lawmakers and stakeholders, odds are they will be horribly out of date in six months...

If President-elect Donald J. Trump calls – or tweets – are you ready? ..

In the run-up to last year’s State of the Union, the big question on everyone’s lips was how European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was going to address the future of the European Union in the raw aftermath of the referendum on Brexit...

On Thursday, 21 June, the Federal Government will have been in place for 100 days. The Grand Coalition now seems to be at an impasse...

Potential U.S. team for talks with China reflects a lack of coherent strategy, while China is cautious and anticipates a long process...

Health care consumerism is an important and rising trend in health care. Yet, a new study in Health Affairs has thrown a dose of harsh reality into the expectation that we are on the verge of shifting to a consumer-driven marketplace in health care...

The future of digital in Seattle is rooted in the optimization of SEO, the implementation of niche influencer programs and the individualization of content...

Earlier this summer, CNBC released their annual report, America's Top States for Business, which serves as a scorecard on state economic climates. For the second year in a row, North Carolina ranks highly, falling fifth out of all 50 U.S. states. But does reality in North Carolina match perceptions of the state?..

Martina Perez, a 16-year-old rising junior in high school, shares her experience as a summer intern in APCO's New York office...

What do a number of Italian football clubs, Greek ports, German enterprises, and prime UK real estate have in common? They were all the targets of Chinese investment in the last few years...

In a media environment where both public and private organizations are repeatedly placed under scrutiny by an increasingly values-driven public, communicators are struggling to address the complex issues that impact trust and reputation...

As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day in 2017, commemorating the historic date that American women won the right to vote in 1920, we should momentarily pause and reflect on how far we have come in less than a century. ..

Many of the proposals published as of Wednesday highlight the EU’s objective to shape the current and future global policy debates surrounding data-driven innovation...

APCO's Worldwide’s Crisis Management and Litigation Communication team gears up for 2017...

The Turkish electorate made a strong showing Sunday, with some suggesting approximately 90% of the electorate cast ballots for the simultaneous Presidential and Parliamentary elections. ..

As China transitions from an economic model driven by investment and manufacturing to one that is more services oriented, the consumer economy is slated to stand in for the slack left by heavy industry...

Tomorrow, I leave for Kazakhstan. As I get ready to make the long, hard slog back to Astana, there is one thing that keeps me going more than any other: the idea that right now in these increasingly complicated times, events like Expo 2017 are more important than ever...

The escalating trade tensions between the United States and China could have serious consequences for auto manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers in both markets...

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) released a shortened “negative list” for foreign investment. The updated list significantly reduces the number of sectors in which foreign investment is restricted, cutting down last year’s draft list from 63 to 48 sectors...

With the defeat of the ACA repeal and replace bill done in rather dramatic, but predictable fashion, three questions are raised: What Did We learn? What Do We Know? Now What?..

On 10 April, the European Commission organized the 2018 Digital Day, during which 25 European government representatives signed up to a Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI), committing to collaborating and taking the necessary policy measures to take full advantage of this technology...

As people participate in decisions about their care, the days of patients passively receiving treatment plans are over. ..

Our Doctors and Nurses are Tired: What does that Mean for the State of Health Care?..

Marginalizing the medical profession could undermine the quality of patient care...

Press conferences are like dinner parties: you can get all the ingredients right and plan like mad, but you can never absolutely predict whether stuff gets thrown, egos are bruised and it all ends in tears. ..

Our research shows that 56 percent of Americans believe U.S. companies that do business overseas should follow a “Buy American, Hire American” philosophy in their own businesses. ..

Indicators are starting to emerge of a potential change of strategy from Beijing that is moving away from open confrontation to contingency planning. ..

In light of the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, concerns over the dual quality of products in some member states and the growth of e-commerce, as part of its consumer law overhaul, today the European Commission presented its ‘New Deal for Consumers’ package. ..

For businesses and advocacy groups the challenge of this government composition will be to deal with its specific simultaneity of change and continuity. ..

Research by APCO Insight shows stakeholders are generally skeptical about the shift from volume to value except for policy leaders..

The U.S. public is feeling empowered to use social media to document or talk about a company’s wrong doing, an APCO Insight survey conducted last year found. Here are three guidelines for how to prevent a reputation backlash. ..

As UK Prime Minister Theresa May was battling with changes in her Government late into the evening of Monday 9 July, after both her Foreign Secretary and her Brexit Secretary resigned in protest over her ’soft’ Brexit plans, it was confirmed that Matt Hancock would step into Jeremy Hunt’s shoes as the new Secretary of State for Health...

With several new team members and two years of skills-based volunteering with local Chicago organizations under our belts, APCO's Chicago team decided to dedicate our most recent annual APCO Gives Back day to the Ronald McDonald House...

According to research conducted by APCO Insight, health care providers are particularly harsh in their assessment of the quality of care...

A new survey from APCO Insight reveals some interesting trends on the U.S. public’s perceptions of the power of social media...

This week’s bilateral meeting offers the U.S. president the opportunity to remake his Russia policy on the spot and, potentially, to help redefine his relationship with Russia for the public as well...

International Women’s Day is certainly a time of reflection for many and I am no exception...

To say that globalization is making the world smaller is a trite understatement. The fact is, globalization is blurring the lines between what’s “domestic” and what’s “foreign.”..

This year, against the backdrop of rising populist sentiment, the pharmaceutical industry has had to confront a uniquely hostile socio-political environment...

The final days of Presidential campaigns are not glamourous. They are hard work. There is little sleep. Everybody is stressed. Campaign staffers have planned for months, if not years for this moment. The “ground game” always matters, but when candidates are polling within three to five points of one another, the campaign with the better field operation usually wins...

As the calendar ticks to July, it doesn’t mean we pause and wait till next June to both celebrate and protest. If anything, we need to love and fight and protect and promote outside those calendar moments, and we can only be buttressed with the support of brands and companies who make no judgment and refuse to tolerate hate and discrimination...

Now we are at the end of June, we should take a moment and appreciate the importance this month has for so many people around the world. ..

A defenestration of Big Tech companies in the UK is about as likely as a new spaceport...

With its ox-like head, the mane of a horse and buffalo horns, the gnu is an animal which looks like a combination of many others. GNU is also the acronym for a government of national unity, a combination of different political parties, which is what the UK most needs at present and might just end up with...

The election in Northern Ireland was as dramatic as elsewhere in the UK, with five of the 18 seats changing hands and Sinn Féin and the DUP taking 17 of them (and the sole other survivor, Independent MP Lady Sylvia Hermon, fighting off the DUP by only a slim margin)...

A bad result for the Tories and a remarkably good one for Labour means the UK seems set for a minority government. As a consequence Brexit negotiations are going to be even more complicated than expected. ..

Every corporation will face a reputation crisis at some point in time. Some become defined by their crisis, others come back. The question becomes: how do companies not only regain their pre-crisis reputation equity, but how do they built it up to withstand the next crisis?..

June marks the annual period of Gay Pride observations around the world. It’s a month of love and togetherness – when both gay and straight men and women come together to celebrate advances made while working hard to advance the challenges that still lie ahead. ..

Following months of surprising and unprecedented campaign to elect the president of France, Emmanuel Macron is today the winner...

Making political predictions for Britain has become a perilous venture, as many polling organisations have discovered at great cost to their credibility. This week's general election result looks like no exception, although most polls - and, perhaps more importantly, the political betting community - expect the Conservatives to be returned once again as the largest party in the House of Commons and to form the next government...

When Theresa May unexpectedly called a general election on 18 April, the end of the story looked clear – a massive Conservative lead in opinion polls was likely to translate into a massive parliamentary majority, which she could then use for good or ill...

President Trump’s decision yesterday to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement is reportedly at odds with many across the business community. Business leaders representing a diverse set of companies have come out against this decision to pull out of the agreement...

Since 1999, the year China’s "Going Out" strategy was first announced, China has dreamed of creating global brands. ..

In the midst of the most unpredictable French election cycle in decades, APCO Worldwide’s Paris office organized a debate on the possible outcomes of the 2017 Presidential and Parliamentary elections...

In Germany’s most populous state, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives defeated the ruling Social Democrats (SPD) in a key state election, further boosting her hopes of retaining power in September's national vote...

First, hats off to House Leadership for sticking with it and not giving up on their pledge to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA)...

Turkey’s 24th general elections resulted in the election of 550 members to the Turkish Grand National Assembly on June 7, 2015. ..

The recently completed annual “Two Sessions” of China’s legislature and advisory bodies contained two notable highlights...

The former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has won the primary elections of the Democratic Party with 70% of votes, overcoming the other two competitors, the Minister of Justice, Andrea Orlando, (around 20%) and the President of the Puglia Region, Michele Emiliano (around 10%). ..

“Fog in the channel; the continent cut off.” This is an apocryphal British headline, trotted out so often that it has become almost hackneyed in its usage to illustrate the difference (and implied pre-eminence) of the UK from the rest of Europe...

On Thursday, November 12, APCO Worldwide hosted General James L. Jones, former National Security Advisor, current chairman of the American-Turkish Council and president of Jones Group International, for an APCO Forum Presents executive breakfast discussion on the U.S.-Turkey discussion. ..

Why is it so hard to pass a repeal and replace plan now that they have control of the White House and both chambers of Congress? Particularly when the President seems unconcerned about what they pass, just that they pass something so he can check it off on his list of accomplishments. The answer is both simple and complicated...

The Trump administration has ushered in an era of decreased predictability and increased risk. Uncertainty may sometimes be the right approach when dealing with enemies, but it can be a serious danger for allies and companies that need to understand their environment to be able to make investments in security and the economy...

A strong resistance has given birth to a newfound explosion of creativity since Trump's inauguration: Individually, collectively and organizationally...

Deal-making has gotten tougher and more politicized. This is a global phenomenon with implications for companies everywhere. We are definitely in a new world, where nationalist and populist pressures combine with political and regulatory activism to challenge multinationals...

Tech companies globally are concerned about Brexit, as the UK was seen as a champion of digital innovation and regulatory light-touch empowering the growth of Tech Titans and startups...

With over 5,000 speakers, 4,000 media, nearly 2,500 sessions and over 70,000 participants from 90 countries, South by South West (SXSW) represents the new Mecca not only for creative, marketing and advertising executives, but increasingly, communications and policy leaders from across all sectors, including cities and governments from all over the world...

On 21 March 2018, the European Commission unveiled its highly-anticipated digital taxation proposals...

The transition from the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the new 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—to be ratified at the UN General Assembly in September—is a significant milestone in the global development agenda. ..

In this white paper, APCO Worldwide provides its global public affairs insight and offers specific recommendations for Chinese entities who seek to expand in the United States...

Today we honor and remember a wonderful colleague, Alicia Peterson Clark, who sadly passed away on April 12, 2017. ..

Brazil is increasingly attracting the scrutiny of investors worldwide as the country enters a key phase for its economy...

President Trump this week signed an executive order as a part of his “America First” campaign, in which he kick-starts an internal process to reform visa programs that allow high-skilled foreign workers to temporarily live and work in the United States. Here are three things to know about President Trump’s executive order on high-skilled immigration reform:..

Health care in the United States is a $2.8 trillion, rapidly-changing and increasingly complex industry. ..

Raise your hand if you can recall a president who had a majority of Americans dislike him personally and disapprove of his job handling yet a majority approve of his policy positions...

As someone who has built her own firm, I also respected Al’s pioneering nature and understood the grit it took to accomplish what he did...

In 2017, the talents of women remain deeply underrepresented in STEM fields around the United States. ..

President Trump’s “America first” policy and rhetoric over China has broad popular appeal, but a trade war could spill over into attitudes towards foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States...

This winter, APCO Insight surveyed low-income U.S. families with children under six years of age to inform hunger-fighting strategies among this population. ..

China’s national strategy to address emerging problems of unemployment and slowing economic growth has identified entrepreneurship as a critical component...

“Made in China 2025” is an ambitious industrial master plan released in 2014 with the explicit goal of turning China into a manufacturing superpower and challenging the market dominance of advanced economies, while at the same time holding off rising competition from other developing countries. ..

Contrary to conventional wisdom on crises being generated from external factors, only 20 percent or fewer of crises start from people or forces outside the organization...

Tech Nation 2017 is a thorough and in-depth report that presents the case for the past and hopefully future success of the digital economy. ..

Danish pharmaceutical executives read President Donald Trump's tweets with great trepidation. And there is a very good reason for that...

Marielle Van Heumen from our Brussels office previews this week's Dutch Elections...

On 1 March, the European Commission published its White Paper on the Future of the EU27 (i.e. post-Brexit), meant as food for thought for EU leaders in their discussions on how to relaunch the EU project...

Bill Pierce, a senior director for APCO’s Health Care Practice from our Washington office, shares three things to know about the legislative process for the ACA replacement bill...

Is a marriage of ideals with a celebrity activist a smart partnership? ..

Craig Fuller, co-chair of APCO's International Advisory Committee, shares his thoughts on the importance of the FAA's air technology modernization efforts. ..

This year China’s legislature ratified the 13th Five Year Plan (2016-2020), the country’s highest-level policy planning document and the first developed under President Xi Jinping. In these videos, James McGregor, chairman of APCO Worldwide in Greater China, and Lilian Rogers, associate consultant at APCO’s Beijing office, discuss what to watch for in China over the next five years and whether the 13th FYP encapsulates lofty dreams or realistic reforms for the country’s future. ..

For nearly a decade, APCO's Beijing Director Bruce Fu has been following these trends and advising multinational companies on how to interpret these regulations and keep their business relevant. In these videos, Bruce walks us through the motivations behind China’s technology ambitions, the role that innovation plays, and how technology MNCs should react...

APCO's team in China prepared a special report on China's 13th five-year plan, with analysis of Xi Jinping's priorities for the plan, how the government plans to keep growth on track, and how to revitalize the nation. The report also discusses contradictions of the plan and how it impacts business. A downloadable version is available after the jump...

On April 28, China’s legislature, the National People’s Congress, passed the Foreign NGO Management Law (Chinese/English), the third draft of a law which had already received widespread criticism for moving foreign NGOs operating in China from the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Civil Affairs to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), China’s police and security authority. ..

As Angela Merkel's likely final term in office gets under way, APCO's team in Germany looks at what's in store for the country until 2021...

Because of the importance of standards in earlier iterations of telecommunications networks, China wants to help define the global 5G standard in order to gain worldwide respect as a technology and industry leader...

Ahead of China's Two Sessions, Brad Staples shared his wish list for China with CGTN...

The FDA ain’t broke, and it doesn’t need much fixin’. This is a message that is being delivered to the Trump administration from all stakeholders including the regulated industry itself, which hopefully will fall on open ears...

Let’s face it, communicating on innovation is challenging for companies in any industry. ..

It was only a matter of time for the European Commission to react with proposals to foster innovation and address potential risks in this heavily regulated sector. ..

As the US looks forward to opportunities to strengthen world peace and serve the American people, the critical bilateral partnership with India can solve problems and promote global prosperity. ..

Although this year marked 100 years since (some) women were granted the right to vote in the UK, gender equality has still not been achieved. The World Economic Forum currently estimates that it could take another 217 years to get there. Just last year, the UK gender pay gap stood at 9.1%...

APCO is supporting local non-profits in Chicago which work towards making a difference in reducing violent crime rates. ..

By breaking the barriers to opportunity, women are empowered to forge their own paths in society. This opens the door for more women to bear political awza and ana over the future of their country. That is why we press for progress...

Jo Kimble responds to The Times' "Big Brands Fund Terror" story...

Bruce Fu, one of our directors in China, shares some vital keypoints about China's fairly new cybersecurity law and what it means symbolically. ..

Michael Hotra shares some insight in understanding if President Trump is learning to transition from campaigning to governing...

No single party or coalition will have the number of seats necessary to govern alone, including the 5 Star Movement and the center-right coalition...

James McGregor joined CNBC to discuss the latest developments in U.S.-China relations and their impact on the domestic economy...

If you're reading this in the C-suite, chances are, as accomplished as you are, you aren't ready to deal with the challenges of social risk —a new set of societal issues driving business decisions around the world...

Jim Moorhead, a crisis communications expert and member of our IAC, shares three things companies can do to adapt to the President Trump twitter environment...

What is expected to be a crucial day might not be that decisive at all...

The latest report from the National Audit Office (NAO) focuses on the success, or otherwise, of efforts to integrate health and social care and specifically the £5.3billion Better Care Fund...

What are the implications of this new challenging, turbulent environment for health care communications?..

To say that Super Bowl advertisers were operating in a new era this year is a bit of an understatement. ..

Each Davos presents a fascinating learning and comparative perspective: on evolving global policy issues and business initiatives, disruptive technologies, innovators, but most importantly puts in perspective all of these trends and their implications on our society at large...

A majority of American Millennials sense a shift in the balance of power between government and business...

It is important to go back and look at what preceded the unprecedented events of this year and a distinctly different Davos 2017 gathering:..

There is a role for corporate expertise and knowledge to play in shaping the responses to global challenges. Multinationals will have to find a way to become engaged in this fast moving and turbulent environment, making their voices heard. Or they risk being left behind...

Having set his house in order, Xi now aspires to lead China onto the global stage in a far more confident manner than before...

Over the next twenty years, we are likely to witness some of the most significant disruptions to the workforce and work as we know it in recent memory. This has been fueled by the demographic and socioeconomic trends of the past decade...

Hailed as the ‘Startup Nation,’ Israel has emerged as a world leader in technology and innovation. ..

The “Grand Coalition” between the S&D and EPP groups in the European Parliament has come to an end...

To minimize the reputational damage that legal filings or arguments can cause, a company’s legal and communications counsel must work closely together...

When we spoke with NPs, every one said they believe in patient empowerment – and that involving patients in treatment plans improves compliance and outcomes...

How can business leaders address pressing social issues without veering too far from their core mission or alienating a substantial segment of their investors or customers? In search of answers, APCO Worldwide recently conducted an extensive survey of 1,000 of the nation’s most informed (and influential) consumers about their opinions on corporate advocacy. ..

In 2017, many large corporations will face a delicate balancing act. ..

For years, Mali’s gov­ern­ment has been strug­gling to estab­lish its legit­i­ma­cy in rur­al areas of the coun­try, both in terms of the state’s phys­i­cal pres­ence and its use­ful­ness to cit­i­zens. The polit­i­cal and secu­ri­ty situation in Mali remains still fractious and convalescent...

In a game that was close and exciting until the end, the commercials, however, did not have the same sort of drama, with a few hits among many misses...

Health is back on the EU legislative agenda. After a leaked draft provoked several stakeholder responses earlier this month, the European Commission published their Proposal on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on 31st January to address concerns about the degree of variation with which HTA is conducted and applied across Europe...

UK Prime Minister Theresa May today pledged that her government’s Brexit negotiating strategy will be based around building a stronger, fairer, united and outward looking United Kingdom ..

APCO founder and executive chairman, Margery Kraus spoke about ending corruption on a panel at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting...

As President Trump’s first 100 days in office conclude, we can all breathe a sigh of relief; the frenetic pace of executive actions will finally cease. ..

Bay Area technology professionals think their industry can solve major domestic and global problems. D.C. policy elites are less confident, but agree that tech should take the lead in trying...

Creativity may not have been the best approach during the first phase of Brexit negotiations, when the rights of EU and UK citizens were at stake, but it is definitely something to hope for in the upcoming second phase of talks...

It’s fair to say it was not the easiest of starts for the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council. It’s the first time Bulgaria has held the Presidency, since they joined the EU back in 2007...

Modi’s visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland is a crucial moment for India. Davos, as it’s colloquially referred to by the heads of state and titans of industry that attend this exclusive and highly influential event, is one of the biggest stages in the world...

The sanctity of the courtroom has been invaded by the Inter-net and the use of social media. Courtroom justice is played out across the globe in the nanoseconds it takes to put information online for use and abuse by interested and committed parties...

In this politically charged atmosphere, how does a company take on an issue like immigration successfully? Our research indicates that companies can be most effective on immigration if they make the business case for their action or use their business expertise to address the issue. ..

On January 13, the revised EU Directive on Payments (PSD 2) goes live in most EU Member States, but questions remain...

How does one go about branding a place? The first step is research. Most enterprises fail due to lack of relevant and constructive research. ..

Margery Kraus, founder and executive chairman of APCO Worldwide, shares the three things to look for at the World Economic Forum’s annual meetings in Davos...

Here is what we expect to be important for multinationals navigating China’s business and policy landscapes in 2018. ..

In this video, Julie Jack, senior director within APCO’s Sustainable Growth & Corporate Responsibility practice, discusses the changing expectations for companies today. ..

Taking a look at some of the more comprehensive global assessments and scorecards regarding health and medicine published in 2015 and 2016...

When Xi Jinping first became leader of the Communist Party, president of the country, and head of the Chinese military five years ago, he characterized China’s relationship with the world as the country’s “catch up and overtake phase.” At the Communist Party of China’s 19thCongress in late October 2017, Xi made it clear that he now believes that China has reached the “overtake phase.”..

We found that more than half believe prevention and wellness plays a strong role in their day-to-day practice...

Read APCO's full analysis of the 19th NCCPC by leading China expert Jim McGregor and our team in Greater China...

Today more than ever, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly dependent on collaboration with patients. ..

Five major trends that will likely continue to transform health care and health care PR. ..

There are a couple of truisms that are important as we evaluate the nomination of Tom Price as HHS secretary and Seema Verma as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services...

Traditionally advocacy has been seen as government relations where registered lobbyists walked the halls of Capitol buildings advocating for special interests. Today, advocacy is about building a movement. People want to get involved and make change for the issues that they care about...

Republicans exceeded early predictions scoring big time in Tueday’s election, taking full control of the US Senate, increasing their margin in the House of Representatives along with many victories across the country. ..

In what was not a surprise, Republicans gained control of the U.S. Senate and gained enough House seats to have a near historic majority. What was a surprise to most, though not all was the number of seats gained in the Senate...

When Xi Jinping ascended to the Chairmanship of the Chinese Communist Party and Presidency of China in 2012, he was handed a party and country on the tipping point of crisis. China’s economy, reliant on capital investment and heavy industry, was finally running out of steam after 30 years of incredible growth. ..

There has been a lot said over the last few days about John McCain’s legacy. Yet, lost in a sea of accolades, is John McCain the communicator; fervent defender of the press, practitioner of crisis communications, and the undisputed king of straight talk...

APCO's 2018 TradeMarks study evaluates which trade associations are best positioned to drive their agendas in the next Congress. The results indicate that laying the groundwork now, even with the fate of Congress still to be determined, enables forward-thinking associations to be prepared come January...

Denmark is exploring a new health care reform that may lead to a more integrated health care system with better continuity for patients along all aspects of the patient journey – health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, care and rehabilitation...

It’s hard being a chief communications officer (CCO). The news cycle never ends, audiences are hard to reach and the stakes always are high. As a result, one of the most strategically significant relationships a CCO can make is an alliance with the general counsel...

Last week, leaked documents indicated that “some firms have enjoyed effective tax rates of less than 1 percent on the profits they’ve shuffled into Luxembourg”. That corporations have used Europe’s complex tax structures to minimise their tax bills is not per se news. ..

Technology associations – and by extension their member companies – have a tremendous opportunity to engage with federal policymakers to inform the development of legislation, regulation and policies...

A recent post on Vox.com carried the provocative headline that “solar power is growing so fast that older energy companies are trying to stop it.” And while distributed solar power might not be forcing traditional utility CEO’s into sleepless nights and a bunker mentality on how to stop its growth, there’s no doubt that the use of solar power – and renewables in general – is making gains...

APCO's team of global experts takes a closer look at Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's reelection as leader of the the Liberal Democratic Party, and what his continuity in office means for Japan and its relations with the world...

Jean-Claude Juncker is the third Luxembourger to hold the title of President of the European Commission. The first, Gaston Thorn, was so successful in pursuing European integration that he earned the soubriquet ‘Bloody little Gaston’ from UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The second, Jacques Santer, was sacked by the European Parliament for incompetence. Predicting Juncker’s fate in leading a union choking on challenges is a perilous pursuit...

Given the 2018 landscape and potential 2019 Congressional composition and agenda, here are three ways health care associations and their member companies should be preparing now...

The food and agriculture industries are incredibly important parts of the U.S. and world economies. Food and agriculture exports are critical to farm incomes in the United States and in many parts of the developing world. Open markets for agriculture goods are especially critical for importing countries in the developing world as these countries, which for a variety of reasons are not self-sufficient in food production, seek to provide a reliable source of food and nutrition for their citizens...

Conversations about your brand are happening in every nook and cranny of the Internet — among friends, family, colleagues and individuals who influence the opinions of millions of followers. There’s value and risk, in those conversations, which is why executives around the globe are showing increased interest in adding consumer advocacy programs to their marketing mix. Why is this critical for your brand?..

“Die Politik ist die Lehre vom Möglichen,” said the definitive German statesman Otto von Bismarck; “Politics is the art of the possible”. ..

Our research, as well as Fortune's, shows that employees are the centerpiece to any true expression of commitment to global citizenship...

Across categories—from apparel to automotive, food and beverage to personal care—global competition, new domestic entrants, and digital transformation are making it more difficult for brands to stand out, to differentiate, to win new customers, to maintain loyalty, and to achieve word of mouth buzz. ..

Are we returning to a more “regular order?” Recent developments at HHS provide a partial explanation why the health care agenda has calmed somewhat despite the continued disorder in other areas of government...

Companies need clearer guidance on what they can and cannot do to respond to state-sponsored hackers and online criminals, to include ‘active defense’ measures often in order to gain attribution—at a time when corporate America is continuously under cyber attack...

Here at APCO, women continue to push boundaries every day across the network. Here are few takeaways from The Riveter, which we can all learn from as growing professionals...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is setting a remarkable record for new drug approvals in 2018. As of November 1, 2018, 47 new drugs were approved by the FDA exceeding the previous record in 2017 of 46 new drugs. ..

On Tuesday, Starbucks announced it would close 8,000 stores for racial-bias education training May 29...

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the third version of the travel ban that directly impacts visitors to the United States. Despite the final ruling, few companies spoke out about the decision. ..

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Just Do It,” a campaign and slogan that have become synonymous with the brand, this ad may be Nike’s boldest statement yet as it takes on the issues of police brutality and racial injustice. ..

The state's propaganda machine was out in force to push a message of pageantry of many nations, not just China...

With the results of the national election in, starting in 2019, Democrats will lead the U.S. House of Representatives. So, what does that mean for healthcare?..

To grow your audience and spread your message in today’s noisy digital landscape, you need to change the way you communicate. This means working backwards from the traditional model and starting small...

In recent years, recruitment and retention has crept to the top of the list of the most pressing issues facing communicators at brands, organizations and firms. It's also a major concern for companies in nearly every sector. ..

The Web Summit is the largest tech conference in the world. With nearly 70,000 attendees from 159 countries, over 1,200 speakers delivering talks and debating on panel across 24 stages. APCO's Rachele Ciavarella shares five takeaways...

With the increasing demands from the public on knowing more about how a corporation behaves as a “citizen,” PACs engaging in the political process are bound to come under heightened scrutiny...

The recent European Commission Clean Energy jumbo package, and more specifically the Energy Efficiency Directive component thereof, was the topic of an APCO Forum debate in Brussels...

For the United States and China, the only way forward is to seek peaceful coexistence through piecemeal compromise...

On the surface, it can be difficult to understand how artificial intelligence has anything to do with communications because communicators are most likely to understand their consumers, right?..

Second only to “blue sky thinking,” “thought leadership” may be the most irritating and overused corporate phrase. What does thought leadership mean? Is it more than just jargon? Can it ever make a positive contribution? These were some of the questions our Dani Lebor was interested in exploring at the European Digital Advocacy Summit in Brussels. ..

Maybe the concentration of interest on a former President so respected will move us closer to the kinder and gentler nation he envisioned...

2015 has been a decisive year for Turkey. It has been one marked by uncertainty and surprises, with escalating geo-political posturing and trenchant governmental maneuvering dominating headlines. But on 1 Nov. 2015, President Recip Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party commanded a majority win, with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu securing a parliamentary majority for the AK Party, which had been lost only five months earlier. ..

In the waning years of the Obama administration, media and tech reporters said the social web had disrupted the business model for legacy news publishers, forcing rounds of layoffs in newsrooms throughout the country. ..

On April 16, Turkey went to the polls to cast their decision regarding the new constitution. ..

On July 15th, a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces attempted to stage a coup. What happens next?..

For much of the two and a half years since the UK’s Brexit referendum in June 2016, the process moved so slowly that it was difficult to believe anything was happening at all. But this week has been crucial. ..

It is impossible to talk about promoting destinations without acknowledging the foundations on which destinations worth promoting are built. Megatrends, evolving consumer demand, technology, the political environment and the green economy are all changing the face of tourism...

A night of extraordinary political drama has given way to ... a day of extraordinary political drama. ..

2018 was a long year. Many global businesses are ill prepared for an increasingly challenging global regulatory environment, to respond to complex social issues and especially to geopolitical threats and political uncertainty. But those that are better prepared, will be better insulated from unforeseen global shocks...

Companies, organizations and global leaders are preparing to face the many disruptions that await them in the new year. To better understand the current and future landscapes, we surveyed a select group of 28 IAC members and asked them what they see as the most prevalent and mission-critical trends moving forward...

As the global business and political communities prepare to turn the page to 2019, APCO’s team of global experts took a closer look at trends in areas key to businesses and our clients...

We opened up APCO’s vault of reputation research to examine which factors are actually defining and driving perceptions of the aviation sector...

Through my time as a community manager, I have learned these six key elements to successfully advocate for an entity’s brand on social media:..

As internal social media (ISM) becomes more prevalent in the workplace, how is this impacting employee engagement? wwwwwww..

Anyone with a video camera and an LMS can create online training programs for their company, but is that enough?..

When a team volunteer opportunity is skills-based, it’s often even more impactful, both to the organization or people being served and the volunteers...

Is it possible to change someone’s health behaviors simply through communications?..