The structural power of business

In the policy-making process, Business has various means to influence policy, and because of its resources and its importance for the economy, it has a distinct advantage compared to other interest groups. Nevertheless, Business does not always win policy debates. This project looks at the sources of the structural power of Business and its limits. It analyzes how much policymakers – in particular city mayors – privilege the concerns of Business over other policy goals. And it analyzes important policy instances – such as the establishment of deposit-insurance schemes – in which consumer interests won out over the interests of Business.