Services / Robert Friebe
Political traction is built — not assumed.
I help companies understand the German political environment, define their relevance and engage the right decision-makers with purpose.
My work is designed for companies operating in strategically sensitive or highly regulated sectors — particularly aerospace, defence, cyber security, space and dual-use technologies. Support can begin with a focused intervention, develop into a market-entry programme or provide an ongoing government affairs presence in Berlin.
01 / Political Positioning
Political Positioning & Market Entry
How should Berlin perceive your company — and why should decision-makers care?
A strong market position does not automatically translate into political relevance.
I connect business strategy with Germany’s policy priorities and develop a credible narrative for the political environment.
Outcome: a clear political proposition, a prioritised route into the German market and a narrative that is credible in Berlin.
Typical scope
- Political market-entry strategies for Germany
- Assessment of policy drivers, regulatory dynamics, risks and opportunities
- Political relevance and value-proposition development
- Positioning and messaging for executives, public-sector stakeholders and associations
- Competitive and political landscape analysis
- Executive briefing papers, talking points and decision memos
- Strategic positioning for defence, aerospace, cyber, space and dual-use companies
02 / Policy Infrastructure
Berlin Presence & Government Affairs Infrastructure
Need political representation in Germany — but not a full Berlin office?
I establish the structures, routines and intelligence needed to operate effectively in the German policy environment.
This is particularly useful for international companies, scale-ups and specialist providers that need senior support without building a large internal function from day one.
Outcome: a lean, senior-level government affairs capability that can scale with the business.
Typical scope
- Fractional or interim government affairs support
- Set-up of a pragmatic Berlin representation model
- Political monitoring, interpretation and management briefings
- Government affairs strategies, annual plans and engagement calendars
- Internal stakeholder alignment and decision processes
- Association strategy and ecosystem positioning
- Preparation for politically sensitive issues and critical decision points
- Support in selecting and onboarding permanent government affairs capabilities
03 / Political Engagement
Stakeholder Mapping, Access & Strategic Engagement
Who matters, what matters to them — and when should you engage?
Political access is not about collecting meetings.
I identify the stakeholders who can influence an issue, clarify the purpose of each interaction and build an engagement sequence around real decision-making processes.
Outcome: fewer but better interactions — aligned with the issue, the audience and the political timing.
Typical scope
- Stakeholder mapping across ministries, parliament, agencies, associations, think tanks and industry
- Influence, interest and relationship analysis
- Prioritised engagement roadmaps and contact strategies
- Outreach support and preparation of high-level political meetings
- Executive briefing, Q&A preparation and meeting simulations
- Coalition, partner and ecosystem mapping
- Delegation visits and political programmes in Berlin
- Follow-up strategy and relationship management
Strategic Events & Political Formats
I conceive and support targeted formats such as executive roundtables, policy dialogues, delegation visits, parliamentary breakfasts, background discussions, trade-fair side events and small senior-level dinners.
Support can include: concept, political objective, guest mapping, agenda, speaker preparation and follow-up.
04 / Seminars & Workshops
Political Intelligence, Training & AI for Government Affairs
Understanding Berlin — and using new tools responsibly — is part of the strategy.
I design compact, practical formats for executives, international teams and government affairs professionals.
Every session is tailored to the organisation’s sector, maturity and immediate decisions.
Outcome: teams that understand the system, make better political judgements and apply AI as a disciplined working tool.
Available formats
- How Berlin Works: institutions, decision paths, political culture and practical rules of engagement
- AI for Government Affairs: research, monitoring, stakeholder analysis, briefing preparation and responsible workflow design
- Executive Political Readiness: message discipline, political meetings, hearings and critical Q&A
- Market-Entry Workshop: assumptions, stakeholder priorities, risks, milestones and a 90-day action plan
- Scenario & Issues Workshop: policy scenarios, impact assessment and response options
- Team Capability Building: repeatable tools, templates and routines for an internal government affairs function
Built for the room
Formats range from focused executive briefings to half-day seminars, full-day workshops and multi-session programmes — delivered in English or German.
Ways of working
Support shaped around the decision at hand.
Targeted Intervention
A focused assignment around a specific decision, meeting, market-entry question, stakeholder landscape or political issue.
Project Mandate
A defined programme with clear workstreams, milestones and deliverables — for example a German market-entry strategy or executive engagement campaign.
Retained Advisory
Ongoing senior counsel, political intelligence and representation for organisations that need a trusted Berlin capability over time.
Let’s work together
What political outcome does your business need next?
Whether you need a clearer view of the German policy landscape, a credible market-entry strategy, senior stakeholder engagement or a tailored workshop, the starting point is a focused conversation.
Start a conversationOr email me directly: rf@robertfriebe.de