IE Public Policy Impact Competition: Shape the policies that will define the next decade.

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 program partners and additional stakeholders 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/cumulative 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: April 27
  (Register for this event and submit your policy paper by this date.)

• Winners announced: May 10

• 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 and Alinnea

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
In collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Giga

Giga, the ITU/UNICEF initiative to connect the world's schools to the internet, will also participate in the evaluation panel.

Digital and Telecommunications Policy enabling Child Online Protection

Participants selecting this track will develop a policy proposal focused on online protection, with special attention to youth and child online protection, addressing regulatory and governance challenges in digital and telecommunications environments.

Proposals should align with one of the following approaches:

• Mapping current telecommunications and digital regulations which includes child protection in a priority region for Giga: Identify and systematize all relevant telecommunications and digital laws, regulations, and policies that protect children online. Submissions may include the design of an accessible or interactive regulatory map showing enforcement bodies, types of content covered, and implementation mechanisms. The objective is to support governments, NGOs, and digital platforms in improving coordination and policy effectiveness.

• Mapping and analysis of legal gaps: Conduct a comparative analysis of how different countries regulate online child protection through telecommunications and digital policy frameworks. Identify legal gaps, inconsistencies between jurisdictions, and risks for minors. Based on this analysis, develop recommendations for harmonization targeted at governments and international organizations.

This track aims to contribute to more coherent, effective, and globally aligned approaches to telecommunications and digital regulations to safeguard children in digital environments.

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