Abstract

The speed of technological innovations creates new opportunities, but also fears and risks. Public authorities are involved in these transformations: on the one hand, they must encourage the creation of good ideas, while reducing the negative effects associated to them; on the other, they are called to take advantage of the opportunities that technology also offers to them. This article examines the interaction between regulation and innovation. Considering some innovations that exemplify the problems arising for regulators, possible solutions are analysed to adapt the regulatory process. In light of the design-thinking approach, the following ingredients are discussed: defining a clear policy objective; experimenting regulatory solutions; strengthening stakeholder participation in the regulatory process; using appropriate skills; using data and artificial intelligence.