Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)
Political feasibility assessment Political feasibility assessment frameworkframework
Eric Massey – IVM
Presented at the UN Climate Conference
Bali, Indonesia
December 7, 2007
2
What is political feasibility?
• Political feasibility is a term widely used which we have all heard.
• What does it mean though exactly?
• How can it be assessed, especially in the context of sectoral or technology oriented agreements?
3
What is political feasibility?
• Policy proposal being acceptable to all parties such that it can overcome enough resistance to move from the stage of an idea to agreement.
IdeaAgreement
Factors
Constraints
4
What is political feasibility?
IdeaAgreement
Factors
Constraints
If we can pinpoint the factors & constraints around a specific proposal we can understand if it might be politically feasible.
5
Influencing Factors
• Actors: Who are the parties involved, what are there motivations, what are their beliefs and what is their bargaining power?
• Resources: What resources materiel or otherwise are involved and can be exchanged or will be needed to reach an agreement?
• Time frame & Timing: What is the time frame for the proposal? Is the proposal being advocated at the right moment?
• Leverage points: Is there anything to make the proposal more attractive?
6
Constraints (1)
Economic• What are the economic
resources associated with the proposal?
• What financial obligations associated with accepting the proposal?
• Do the parties have those resources?
Physical & Technical• Are there any
physical/technical barriers?
• Does receiving party have adequate infrastructure?
• Does receiving party have enough technical resources for maintenance of proposal?
What kind of constraints will a TOA or SA What kind of constraints will a TOA or SA encounter and have to overcome?encounter and have to overcome?
7
Constraints (2)
Legal & Contractual• Is the institutional (legal
& regulatory) infrastructure there to accept proposal?
• Will laws need to be made or changed?
• Would the proposal require regulatory approval?
• Are there prior contractual agreements that could hinder the proposal?
Social & Equity• Could the proposal be
socially controversial?• Is it socially acceptable?• Will it be seen as
equitable or fair?• Are the parties being
offered enough?
8
Constraints (3)
Institutional & Governance
• Is the country politically and economically stable?
• Will corruption be an issue?
• Are there any other issues of governance that need to be addressed?
9
Political feasibility framework
ConstraintsConstraints Actor 1Actor 1 Actor 2Actor 2
Economic
Physical/technical
Legal/contractual
Social/equity
Institutional
Constraints Table
Factors list
1. Factor A
2. Factor B
10
Case 4: Car efficiency
Key issues:
•Car companies have resources but will have to make profound change & use of them
•Time frame appears adequate to implement agreement & timing is good
• Leverage points of first mover advantage to capture demand from customers (e.g. Toyota hybrid cars)