Understanding lobbying dynamics through survey research: An introduction to the InterCov dataset

This forum article provides an overview of the sampling and survey design of the publicly available InterCov dataset. The two-wave cross-country survey includes items on lobbying mobilisation, strategies, access and influence after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other measures of organisational factors. We discuss design choices considering our interest in lobbying dynamics following a focusing event, the responsiveness of organisations and political gatekeepers to external shocks, and the role of timing in lobbying. We address our bottom-up sampling approach, draw lessons from the implementation of a second survey wave and provide an overview of survey items. We hope that this forum article is useful for scholars aiming to use our dataset and those starting new data collection efforts.