Policymaking operates within a dynamic system of influences and stakeholders. Corporate engagement can be beneficial to policymaking; however, it also carries risks of translating in undue influence potentially distorting policy outcomes and effectiveness, and eroding public trust. Distinguishing between legitimate corporate engagement and undue influence is challenging for other policy areas but also for competition policy.
In June 2025, the OECD will hold a discussion on the topic to explore the various dimensions of corporate influence in competition policy: from the benefits of legitimate corporate engagement to the risks when influence becomes undue as well as the challenges in distinguishing between the two. The discussion will study some key mechanisms through which influence can occur and potential responses that policymakers could employ to address the potential harms of undue influence while preserving the benefits of legitimate corporate engagement.
