Smart Regulation: Changing Speed Bumps into Guardrails

Regulation is among the most controversial public policy issues today. Some Americans decry what they see as weak and insufficient regulation, while others see excessive regulation that stifles economic growth. The thorough analysis in this volume draws more nuanced conclusions. Our regulatory system is generating questionable new rules and ignoring the failings of old ones. Inefficient regulation can be a roadblock to job creation and growth of economic output and incomes, while poorly directed regulation sometimes leaves the public at risk. The authors provide lessons from the latest scholarship and from hands-on business experience to identify improved and superior practices, including some already in use around the world. They take focused looks at new and changing issues such as the Internet, financial services, and energy. Their conclusions point the way toward smart regulation, which holds far greater promise than simply more or less regulation.