"influence the direction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a sentence like: "His efforts to influence the direction of the company were successful."
"He didn't influence the direction, but he influenced the tactics".
Similarly, any number of factors can influence the direction the disease travels thereafter.
At the same time, Pimco tried to influence the direction of the bailout itself.
Engaging with policy discussions can influence the direction of travel or the vital detail of implementation.
"We can't let him try to influence the direction of the company".
Royalty costs now influence the direction of research in basic diseases, and often even the testing for diseases.
These anti-European MEPs would then be able to influence the direction of the EU policy agenda.
"It touches on every major sector of our country, and the outcome will influence the direction of America's public policy".
Perhaps a greater challenge is that the UK's ability to influence the direction of EU funding research could wane.
International peacebuilders intervened in post-conflict Liberia to influence the direction of forest governance.
Initial results with this strategy are promising, and will likely influence the direction of future research.
