REMIT partner KU Leuven has lent its research for a new dashboard, which presents a comprehensive analysis of the normative construction of technology governance. The dashboard explores the multi-layered model of normative foundations in global technology governance through various methodological approaches.
The dashboard delves into the regulatory landscape, distinguishing between governance, legislation, and regulation. Governance refers to the overall structure and decision-making processes, legislation involves the formal creation of laws, and regulation pertains to the implementation and enforcement of these laws. The analysis highlights the interplay between these concepts and their relevance to technology governance.
This mapping exercise conducted as part of this research provides a global overview of regulatory tools used for key technologies such as AI, blockchain, IoT, cloud computing, and 5G/6G. The findings reveal a diverse regulatory landscape, with a significant role for soft law and innovative regulatory approaches alongside traditional hard law.
The findings reveal a diverse regulatory landscape characterized by a mix of traditional hard law and innovative regulatory approaches. Hard law, including formal legislation and binding regulations, continues to play a crucial role in establishing clear and enforceable rules for technology use. However, there is a growing recognition of the limitations of hard law in keeping pace with the rapid evolution of technology. As a result, many jurisdictions are increasingly turning to soft law mechanisms, such as guidelines, standards, and best practices, which offer greater flexibility and adaptability. These soft law instruments are often developed through multi-stakeholder collaborations, ensuring that they are informed by a wide range of perspectives and expertise.
In addition to soft law, the research highlights the significant role of innovative regulatory approaches in addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies. Approaches such as regulatory sandboxes, testbeds, and policy labs are being employed to create controlled environments where new technologies can be tested and refined before being fully integrated into the market. These anticipatory regulatory tools allow for real-time learning and adaptation, enabling regulators to stay ahead of technological developments and mitigate potential risks. By combining traditional hard law with these innovative approaches, policymakers can create a more dynamic and responsive regulatory framework that supports both technological innovation and societal well-being.