Policy Research in Washington, DC

Policy Research in Washington, DC

Policy research is a study that attempts to directly inform policymaking. It is policy-oriented and policy-driven, meaning that its purpose is to generate findings that can be used by policy elites to make decisions. To this end, policy research often relies on market research studies and other methods of data collection and analysis. In addition, policy research frequently involves working with opinion influencers, such as academics, think tanks, lobbyists, and former legislative staffers and policy officials. This type of work requires a deep understanding of the policymaking process and the ability to synthesize complex information into easily digestible insights. As a result, policy research is an essential tool for ensuring that decision-makers have the information they need to make informed choices.

Limelight Insights by Shugoll’s location in the Washington, DC metro area places us near hundreds of government agencies and contractors. We have been conducting policy research for federal, state, and local government agencies for many years. Our studies examine the attitudes of government agency employees and decision-makers as well as policy influencers and legislative staff. They also determine public attitudes toward government programming.

We maintain an exhaustive database of respondents, searchable by numerous demographic criteria. We also keep track of their focus group participation history, suitability for different study types, and subject matter expertise. 

Limelight Insights by Shugoll has been actively developing our policy elite database for over 15 years. Our policy elite database was developed originally through cold-calling federal directories and recruiting outreach to targeted audiences.

Our extensive database includes a number of policy elites and opinion influencers, including:

  • Lobbying firms
  • NGOs and advocacy organizations
  • Trade Associations
  • Corporate government affairs executives
  • Think tanks
  • Former legislative staffers
  • Former policy officials at local, state and federal agencies

The respondents that are part of this database were sourced by specifically targeting these respondents based on their professional focus on policy matters. They are only accepted into this database once they have been recruited from these resources and have participated in at least one face-to-face research study with a professional moderator.

Need help conducting your policy research in Washington, DC? Submit a Bid Request to get started.