The European Digital Advocacy Summit recently took place on 7 December 2022, gathering experts and industry leaders from the fields of public affairs, digital communications, and artificial intelligence. Among the notable speakers I was in an esteemed panel that included Maria Linkova-Nijs, Communication Director at CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council) and Philip Weiss, CEO of ZN Consulting who shared valuable insights on the advancement of AI and social media in public affairs in Brussels and beyond. The panel discussion was skillfully moderated by João Sousa, Managing Director of the Public Affairs Council in Brussels.
During the panel discussion, I emphasized the growing impact of AI and social media in public affairs, not just in Brussels but across the globe. With the ever-evolving digital landscape, public affairs professionals now have access to innovative tools and strategies to help them understand their target audience, engage with stakeholders, and shape public opinion more effectively.
The panel shared their experience using AI-driven analytics to monitor public sentiment and social media trends. This information has proven crucial for effective advocacy campaigns, as it allows organizations to tailor their messaging and outreach strategies to better resonate with their audience. Furthermore, the panel spoke about the importance of utilizing social media platforms to reach key decision-makers and stakeholders highlighting the significance of influencers and thought leaders in shaping public opinion and policy, noting that digital advocacy must be an integral part of any public affairs campaign.
AI’s Role in Shaping Public Policy
During the panel discussion, I discussed the transformative role AI plays in public policy development. AI technologies, such as natural language processing and machine learning, have opened up new possibilities for analyzing vast amounts of data, including legislative documents and public feedback. As a result, public affairs professionals can now better understand the impact of policies and legislation on various stakeholders and fine-tune their strategies accordingly.
The European Digital Advocacy Summit served as an excellent platform for experts to discuss and share insights on the rapidly evolving field of AI and social media in public affairs. The panel, offered valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, emphasizing the need for responsible use, transparency, and ethical considerations. As public affairs professionals continue to navigate the digital landscape, the insights shared at this summit will undoubtedly shape their strategies and contribute to more effective advocacy efforts in Brussels and beyond.