By being provided the opportunity to influence the policy design and the implementation schedule, companies and others can be expected to feel a higher ownership of the process and thus be more likely to respond positively. Finally, consultation processes provide "early warning" to the affected groups and make it possible for them to start preparing for expected future policies. Consultation processes require extra time, but the outcome can be better designed policies and more favourable conditions for successful implementation. Similarly, a step-wise introduction can facilitate compliance and reduce related costs.