 The influence of the Reading School extends beyond its contributions to academic research, and into policy-making at the highest levels.This dates back to John Dunning’s involvement with UNCTAD in 1968 in drafting a report on the extent and pattern of UK direct investment in less developed countries (LDCs).He was appointed in 1972 to the United Nation's Group of Eminent Persons to examine the role of multinational enterprise in economic development and international relations.