KEY MESSAGES
A common theme of the chapters in the report is the importance of “connecting the dots” across different regulatory institutions, tools, and processes to create an ecosystem where these different instruments are effectively used to design and implement policies and regulation. They are best seen as a means to an end and should be used as part of a holistic system to support policy makers in designing and implementing good policies based on evidence, rather than as separate exercises. They can help encourage innovation and new approaches to addressing challenging situations in a multi-disciplinary way.
Key messages emerging from this body of work that can guide future work aimed at improving regulatory governance include:
- The “ecology of instruments”: regulatory institutions, processes and tools need to be designed and implemented holistically, and inform regulatory design, implementation and evaluation across government.
- “Connecting the dots”: equally important is the need to link up good regulatory practice institutions, processes and tools to fully use their potential and create an ecosystem where these different instruments are effectively used to design and implement policies and regulation.
- Pushing the boundaries beyond the perimeter of the executive: good regulatory practice is currently mostly applied by executives. It should be extended to legislatures, which play a key role in designing policies and regulations as well as overseeing their implementation, including by holding the executive accountable for results.
- Networks and incentives as key success factors: good regulatory design and implementation rely on an effective network of agencies and officials that implement these tools with appropriate incentives and oversight, or ensure their effective implementation.
- Embedding and adapting good regulatory practice into each country’s administrative and institutional context and culture: there is no single blueprint or approach to good regulatory practices. The design and use of the instruments need to be adapted and tailored to a specific context. Ultimately, the objective is the same, i.e. making public policy work for all constituents.
FURTHER READING
CONTACT
For further information, please contact Anna Pietikainen, Regulatory Policy Division, OECD.