Outcome Resolve

Co-ordinator = Neil Stewart

We have developed a 3D grid/model by which we can explore the regulation of ICT systems at different levels. In outline, the three dimensions of the model are:

1. the level of regulation - e.g. local, regional, national etc.
2. the individual entrepreneurial actors.
3. the organisational actors, which might also be regulated.

One thing this model does is to allow us to explore the characteristics of each level and the links between the levels. 

Our prime interest is how such systems can stimulate creativity at the neighbourhood level, and provide new resources for this. It further may enable means to be found to provide a voice for such neighbourhood initiatives to be heard at higher levels and produce support. It might also allow us to explore how the regulatory system at the various levels might create surplus value and additional benefits.

There is a vital distinction to be made between self-regulation and externally imposed regulation (Prof Espejo would welcome this statement and would indeed have said it himself had he been here). It is always desirable to promote entrepreneurship if external regulation is the minimum necessary to protect the public interest.

The model allows the exploration of how regulation in a systems sense occurs. It also should allow an exploration of how Regulation (publicly imposed) can be used to stimulate natural regulation to produce outcomes that are perceived as positive.

We can use and indeed improve the 3D grid/model to explain case examples and inform research programmes (we have identified three already) and define new areas of research.