A white paper is an official Government document written to explain or discuss specific government policies, national strategies, or broad, systemic trends important to the general public. A white paper is often tabled for formal Parliamentary debate and forms the direct basis for a formal bill to be introduced subsequently.

The white paper is not an academic essay. It is a professional policy document. It seeks to persuade policymakers to adopt a coherent programme of action.

(A white paper stands in contrast to a green paper which this course doesn't do but is a non-binding preliminary consultative document meant to generate open discussion and gather feedback.)

In PP5182 the policy memo is the first step in assembling the white paper. Choose a policy problem (green supply chains; critical minerals; semiconductors; food security; digital trade; tariffs). Address the question "What is the policy problem? Why does it matter?" Your white paper will grow out of your policy memo. No work is wasted.