The role of advocacy research in the right to repair campaign

The Right to Repair movement is a diverse coalition of consumers, independent repair technicians, environmental advocates, farmers, and medical repair technicians who advocate for repair access and increased autonomy over devices and equipment to reduce waste, save money, and increase product lifespans. The movement was formed in opposition to various barriers to repair that original electronic manufacturers (OEMs) impose on consumers and independent technicians. Barriers to repair contribute to premature electronic obsolescence and OEM monopolies on the repair market. Right to Repair legislation would require that manufacturers provide independent technicians or customers with service manuals, parts, tools, and diagnostics on fair and reasonable terms to allow for repairs. Advocates for Right to Repair use research reports as one tactic to advance the campaign. This paper discusses the findings from five advocacy research reports by U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, research’s role in the campaign in general, and the value added from research reports. Advocacy research tells the story of the campaign, engages and activates stakeholders, generates media recognition, and educates the public and lawmakers. Communicating the findings of research to the public is critical to confronting a financially and politically equipped opposition industry and combatting the lack of public awareness of Right to Repair legislation.