Publisher's Synopsis
In an era of competitive global markets and rapid technological change, governments need to improve their understanding of the costs and benefits of regulation. Regulatory impact analysis -- the systematic assessment of positive and negative impacts of regulation and alternatives -- has helped many governments to reduce regulatory costs on businesses, while maximising the effectiveness of government action in protecting public interests. This is the first report to look across the OECD membership at how regulatory impact analysis is actually designed and carried out. Concrete "best practices" are identified in areas such as improving the capacity of government to produce high-quality analysis, applying analytical methods including benefit-cost analysis, collecting data, and consulting with the public to ensure that estimates are realistic.
