IE University launches the Public Policy Impact Competition, an international initiative inviting future changemakers to submit an original policy proposal aligned with one of the three official Master in Public Policy (MPP) specializations.

The program collaborates closely with strategic partners to ensure real-world relevance and policy impact. Partners include:

PwC Spain
European Climate Foundation (ECF)
Political Intelligence
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI)
Alinnea

Selected partners will participate in the evaluation panel, offering participants the opportunity to have their work reviewed by representatives of leading global institutions.

Competition Format

Participants must submit an original policy paper (2,000–3,000 words) addressing a real-world governance challenge under one of the following MPP specialization tracks:

• Environment, Energy & Sustainability

• AI, Digital Transformation & Tech Policy

• European Union Affairs

Awards

• Three scholarships covering 20% of tuition (one per track)

• Official recognition by IE University and institutional partners

• Fast-track visibility within the MPP admissions process

Please Note

• The award is granted upon successful completion of the IE University admission process and receipt of an offer to begin studies in September 2026 for the Master in Public Policy.

• The scholarship is compatible with other IE scholarships or awards.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on:

• Relevance of the challenge addressed

• Quality of policy design

• Feasibility and implementation roadmap

• Stakeholder mapping and institutional awareness

• Analytical rigor and clarity

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: 27 April
  (Register for this event and submit your policy paper by this date.)

• Winners announced: 10 May

• Winners will have two weeks after announcement to complete the admission process.

Specialization Tracks

Track 1: Environment, Energy & Sustainability

In collaboration with the European Climate Foundation

Design policy solutions for the climate transition.

Develop a public policy proposal addressing a major challenge related to climate transition, clean energy, biodiversity, or sustainable development. The proposal should outline:

• Regulatory framework

• Key stakeholders

• Economic and innovation incentives

• A realistic implementation roadmap

The objective is to promote ecological resilience and sustainable growth through actionable policy design.

Track 2: AI, Digital Transformation & Tech Policy

Govern the technologies transforming society.

Design a public policy framework addressing a governance challenge arising from artificial intelligence or digital transformation. The proposal should:

• Balance innovation, regulation, and rights protection

• Include institutional coordination mechanisms

• Demonstrate how technology can serve the broader public interest

Track 3: European Union Affairs

In collaboration with Political Intelligence

Strengthen policy leadership within the European Union.

Develop a policy proposal addressing a current political or regulatory challenge within the EU. The proposal should demonstrate:

• Clear understanding of EU institutions and multilevel governance

• Knowledge of legislative processes

• A feasible implementation and stakeholder engagement strategy