Collecting input is a vital part of the BRIGHT-tool. To ensure that your input for the Better Regulation Agenda is the best it can be,  you can make use the input collections methods outlined below.  In order to streamline this process, we have outlined four different forms of input collection.

 

Focus groups

Below, you can find two different forms of focus groups. This particular form of input collection can be used in the first stages of assessing bottlenecks. For example, the first focus group could be used to collect bottlenecks on issues ranging from biodiversity to technical standards. The second group would be more suitable for an organization specifically focused on, for example, circular economy.

Focus group across policy areas

The aim of a focus group across policy areas is to collect input from a diverse group of participants on several subjects which may have EU regulatory bottlenecks. This can be organised by preparing a pre-determined list of subjects for which you would like to receive input. During the session, each selected subject is labelled on an individual flip-over sheet. Participants from diverse professional roles and policy areas are then invited to write down possible regulatory issues related to these subjects.

The organisers of the session can engage with the participants ah hoc or in a plenary format to collect as many details and examples as possible and if necessary ask for an elaboration. Organising a focus group in this way ensures that valuable input about a wide range of bottlenecks from different policy areas and expertise are collected.

Focus group in a specific policy area

The aim of a focus group in a specific policy area is to collect bottlenecks from a particular group of participants who are knowledgeable or have experience with a specific subject but have different professional roles. For example, a working group session with an environmental department of a municipality could consist of policy advisors, legal advisors and contractors.
Organising a focus group in this way can be instrumental to collect input about bottlenecks from a specific predetermined subject but originating from a wide range of perspectives and expertise.

 

In-depth collection methods

Below you can find two other forms of input collection. These two forms, in-depth working group and questionnaires, are useful when you want to go into detail on specific issues. Ideally, the in-depth collection methods are preceded by a focus group.

In-depth working group

Whereas a focus group is aimed at collecting several bottlenecks and issues with people from different areas of expertise and experience, an in-depth working group is aimed at narrowing and substantiating one specific bottleneck with several experts with specific knowledge related to- and hands-on experience with the bottleneck in question. The format of such an in-depth working group is up to the organisers. However, it is crucial to structure discussions in the session around the already mapped EU legal framework regarding the bottleneck.

In-depth questionnaire

Another instrument that can be used to collect bottlenecks and issues from relevant stakeholders is a questionnaire. A way to focus the feedback of the responders is to structure the questionnaire around already identified relevant legislation for your subject. For example, when you want to collect more detailed information or contributing factors in relation to a specific bottleneck, you can list the already identified EU legislation in the questionnaire to guide the responders.