Socio-economic analysis (SEA) is a tool that can be used to assess the trade-offs involved in policy-making decisions.  In this role, it has been used in the development of environmental and health protection legislation in the EU and elsewhere, for example, in the restriction and authorisation process under the REACH Regulation in the EU.  It has also been used as a means of highlighting the economic impacts, including unintended consequences, that may arise from the regulation of industrial chemicals, as well as plant protection products and biocidal products.

SEA has also been adopted by industry as a means of demonstrating the social and economic contribution (e.g. in terms of employment, wages and GDP) that products, organisations and sectors make to countries, regions and the world as a whole. 

At RPA, we have considerable experience of helping industry to measure its socio-economic contribution and we have unparalleled experience in conducting SEAs in the context of REACH.  We can help you to:

• Assess the benefits to human health and the environment from reduced exposure to hazardous substances;
• Understand the critical quality attributes of raw materials/substances and possible options for input substitution;
• Assess the impacts associated with the loss of a critical product on the downstream value chain;
• Analyse relevant market data;
• Conduct supply-chain surveys;
• Provide socio-economic data that can be used for external communication with clients, regulators and the wider public.

Please contact our expert below for further information.