1. POLITICAL RISK
INSIGHT ANALYSIS FORECASTING
What are your largest political concerns
when making investments?
Recognition is growing that businesses need to take
account more systematically of how politics affects
the bottom line. While direct risks from violence
and political unrest are obviously low in developed
countries, the subtleties and nuances of the political
process and regulatory framework can have an
equally powerful impact on a company’s profitability.
It’s important that a detailed and sophisticated
understanding of the political, regulatory, and
stakeholder landscape is obtained before making
major strategic decisions or investments.
RESEARCH
2. WE CAN HELP
Firmly established in the UK as the market leader in political monitoring and intelligence,
Dods has recognised that its clients also require in-depth, deep-dive analysis to
supplement and enhance the day-to-day political monitoring service currently provided.
The idea of political risk emerged with multinationals pursuing hazardous opportunities in
developing markets. But recognition is now increasing – especially in the wake of Brexit –
that political risk assessments are also fundamental for companies in developed markets
in the UK, Europe and North America as well as emerging markets.
Led by Dr Mark McClelland, Head of Research, Dods political risk service provides
companies with a detailed and sophisticated understanding of the political, regulatory,
and stakeholder landscape in which they are presently operating or considering entering.
PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS
Dods political risk service offers three standard products that have been shaped to
enable companies make the best strategic and operational decisions after careful
assessment of the political, regulatory and stakeholder landscape. These reports offer
compelling solutions for organisations seeking to understand and mitigate political risks
in a number of key economic sectors including:
• Energy • Manufacturing
• Transport • Retail
• Agriculture • Telecoms
• Financial Services
Political Risk Reports
Dods Political Risk Reports provide compelling analysis of the fundamental drivers of
political risk combined with analysis of specific market conditions facing an economic
sector or issue. These reports include:
• High-level executive summary – easily digestible for senior corporate audiences
• Political landscape analysis – building on Dods Monitoring and Research expertise to
provide an incisive assessment of the current political, policy, and legislative environment
• Regulatory and taxation environment – overview of major regulatory and taxation
issues relating to an economic sector or specific investment opportunity
• Market analysis – analysis of current performance of relevant economic sector,
including competitor landscape
Dods Political Risk Reports provide a thorough, forward-looking understanding of political
risk, broadly defined, with a heavy emphasis placed in the analysis on forecasting and
scoping short-, medium-, and long-term scenarios.
Grounded in robust political science research methods and produced by expert academics
and policy specialists, Dods Political Risk Reports are concise, accessible, and tailored for
business executives looking for analysis to help shape critical decision making.
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1 POLITICAL RISK
Visit: www.dodsinformation.com/research Email: politicalrisk@dods.co.uk Call: +44 (0)20 7593 5500
3. 3
2 Stakeholder Mapping Reports
Dods Stakeholder Mapping Reports can be purchased to complement Political Risk
Reports or alternatively ordered as standalone projects. These reports provide a thorough
overview of all major stakeholders and groups likely to affect a new business venture or
economic sector. While Political Risk Reports analyse the political, legislative and market
landscape, Stakeholder Mapping Reports investigate the key actors and influencers who
are likely to make or break a new investment. These reports include:
• High-level executive summary – easily digestible for senior corporate audiences
• Stakeholder analysis by thematic cluster – political figures, NGOs, media, business
interests, academics, regulatory bodies, trade associations etc
• Stakeholder profiles and contact details for each stakeholder analysed
Dods Stakeholder Mapping reports aim to help companies understand who the key actors
in specific sectors and investments are, analysing what motivates and animates their
activity. They are particularly useful for identifying likely champions and opponents of a
potential investment. Drawing on original research, interviews and an extensive network of
contacts in the political sphere, these reports are a pivotal first step in enabling companies
to develop sophisticated stakeholder engagement strategies.
Brexit Risk Reports
Accompanying its bespoke analytical report services, Dods Research has also developed
a subscription product for companies looking for regular, off-the-shelf analysis of the
political and business implications of Brexit. These reports provide compelling analysis of
what lies ahead politically at Westminster and the future status of the UK’s relationship with
the European Union. This intelligence will enable clients to gain a critical edge during the
current period of political and economic upheaval. The Brexit Risk Reports subscription
service will provide monthly briefings (15 pages) which go behind the headlines to analyse
the long-term political and economic implications of Brexit, horizon scanning to analyse
how current events are affecting and shaping the business future.
Each monthly Brexit Risk Report consists of three main components:
• Political outlook – party dynamics, public opinion and Brexit
• Brexit negotiations – key focus on Article 50, freedom of movement, and UK access
to the EU’s Single Market
• Economic and business implications – analysing what current developments on the
UK’s withdrawal from the EU mean for business
2 POLITICAL RISK
Visit: www.dodsinformation.com/research Email: politicalrisk@dods.co.uk Call: +44 (0)20 7593 5500
4. WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM
DODS POLITICAL RISK
SERVICE?
Dods Political Risk/Stakeholder Mapping Reports and Brexit Briefings are aimed at
analysts and business decision makers from junior and mid-ranking positions up into
the C-suite across a number of corporate functions including:
• Strategy
• Government Affairs
• Public Affairs
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Market Analysis
• Supply Chain Managers
Reports can be tailored according to specific client requests and demands or follow a
standard template. They are designed for companies operating in key economic sectors,
in addition to financial services clients such as pension and sovereign wealth funds
seeking to invest in specific industries.
WHEN IS DODS POLITICAL RISK
SERVICE MOST BENEFICIAL?
Dods political risk products are designed for companies looking to gain valuable analysis
to inform major strategic and operational decision making, in addition to more regular
briefings. While Dods Monitoring is an essential service for companies needing to keep
up-to-date with daily political developments, Dods political risk analysis complements
this by catering to companies seeking more in-depth assessments.
Corporate scenarios where Dods Political Risk and Stakeholder Mapping Reports would
be ideally suited include:
• Market entry into a new jurisdiction
• Investment opportunities in a new sector or geographical location
• The opening of new company facilities, infrastructure, or assets
• Political due diligence in relation to MA activity
In addition to bespoke political risk analysis, Dods Brexit Briefings are aimed at
companies operating across all sectors of the economy, delivering regular, off-the-shelf
analysis of the current unique political and economic environment following the UK’s
decision to leave the European Union.
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Visit: www.dodsinformation.com/research Email: politicalrisk@dods.co.uk Call: +44 (0)20 7593 5500
5. TEAM LEAD
Dr Mark McClelland – Head of Research and Political Risk
mark.mcclelland@dods.co.uk
Dr Mark McClelland has extensive experience of leading political risk analysis reports
and stakeholder mapping projects for some of the world’s largest companies including
ExxonMobil, Walmart, Shell, Volkswagen and Barclays.
Previously an Associate Director at Verisk Maplecroft where he headed up research
on the UK, North America and emerging markets, Mark has expertise in delivering
high-quality analysis across a range of key economic sectors – including energy,
retail, agriculture and financial services.
Holding a PhD in Political Science from the University of Birmingham, Mark was
formerly a Visiting Research Associate at Johns Hopkins University’s School of
Advanced International Studies in Washington DC. Mark has published widely
on energy policy, international relations and UK/US politics.
4 POLITICAL RISK
Visit: www.dodsinformation.com/research Email: politicalrisk@dods.co.uk Call: +44 (0)20 7593 5500
Ensure that your company’s strategic decision-making is informed by
the most up-to-date assessments of political risk. To enquire further
about political risk products that Dods can provide for your organisation
please email politicalrisk@dods.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 7593 5500
