Digital Regulatory Lab

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NML is designing an easy-to-navigate Digital Regulatory Lab (DRL) to pull the organization’s research and policy evidence out of lengthy reports and into a digital format. The DRL will highlight findings from reports, tools, comparative assessments, case studies, and other data-driven research tools in order to enable policymakers and stakeholders to have relevant information at their fingertips when making strategic decisions.

The Digital Regulatory Lab will provide stakeholders with access to the myriad of legal and policy insights that NML has developed over 15 years across the globe. The DRL will offer free access to legal and policy knowledge that considers the connections between different substantive areas – including trade, social realities, agricultural markets, services, standards, environmental rules, and the digital economy – to help economic regulatory systems function equitably and effectively overall.

  • Key takeaways, data points, and recommendations from research reports on aspects relating to legal and regulatory governance of the market.
  • Searchable options on improving legal design and implementation that a stakeholder can choose from based on policy priorities.
  • Comparison of domestic laws and regulations and their alignment with international law, including regional trade agreements.
  • Regulatory Systems Maps (RSMs) that map out legal systems step by step, with context-based analysis focused on qualitative indicators.

The DRL will organize information considering the following factors:

  • Legal design that promotes sustainable development for all.
  • Flexibility that allows countries to adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Sustainability aligned with modern notions of development.
  • Rules that incorporate engagement with stakeholders & participatory rulemaking.
  • Recommendations that consider the transparency in existing policies and rules.
  • Effectiveness of existing rules and their implementation.
  • Implementation gaps in systems and actionable pathways for change.

(References Kuhlmann, 2021; Kuhlmann, 2023; other work forthcoming)