Reports

This paper aims to support better-targeted and more homogeneous data collection and comparative analysis of regulatory oversight bodies (ROBs). To do so, it builds on relevant academic literature and available data to sharpen the definition of ROB used in OECD analytical work and policy discussions. It also discusses ROBs’ role within the regulatory governance cycle as well as various aspects related to regulatory oversight and co-ordination, with special attention to the overall institutional setting (including the relationships between various ROBs), context and objectives of regulatory reform, tasks and responsibilities, and associated accountability arrangements.

The COVID-19 crisis has given renewed urgency to efforts to support the digitalisation of SMEs. However, many SMEs lag behind larger firms in the digital transition as a result of important barriers with respect to skills, innovation, infrastructure, regulation and finance. The SME digital gap slows productivity growth and increases inequalities among people, firms and places. In this context, the Government of Azerbaijan requested the OECD’s assistance in supporting the design and implementation of strategies and policies to foster the digital transformation of Azerbaijan’s SME sector.

As a small, open economy, Mauritius needs a well-performing regulatory system that provides necessary protections while enabling the development of trade and investment and limiting administrative burdens. A robust regulatory impact assessment (RIA) framework can enhance Mauritius’ business environment and attractiveness as a trade and investment partner. In particular, RIA can help Mauritius strengthen its rule-making framework, for example by increasing scrutiny and taking a more evidence-based approach to rulemaking. This report presents OECD recommendations on to how establish a RIA framework in Mauritius. These recommendations are based upon an analysis of the country’s strengths and challenges, as well as extensive engagement with stakeholders. The recommendations also draw on lessons learnt from RIA implementation in a range of countries and an initial benchmarking of RIA-related best practices and guidance material from various relevant jurisdictions.

Les cadres réglementaires nationaux atteignent leurs limites pour faire face aux défis politiques transfrontaliers croissants d'aujourd'hui. Seule une action commune peut permettre de faire face efficacement à la croissance rapide de l'intégration et des interdépendances économiques, notamment grâce aux technologies innovantes. Pourtant, les cadres réglementaires contemporains ont tendance à s'appuyer sur les frontières juridictionnelles nationales, ce qui limite les solutions communes pour répondre à la nature transfrontalière croissante des défis politiques. Au lendemain de crises mondiales, telles que la crise financière de 2008 ou la pandémie de COVID-19, qui ont mis en évidence les vulnérabilités des systèmes mondiaux de santé, d'économie et de gouvernance, il est temps d'opérer un véritable changement de paradigme vers une prise en compte plus systématique de l'environnement international dans les cadres réglementaires nationaux. Les Principes de l'OCDE relatifs aux meilleures pratiques en matière de coopération règlementaire internationale fournissent des orientations pratiques pour aider les décideurs et les fonctionnaires à adapter les cadres réglementaires à une réalité interconnectée. Ils décrivent les éléments clés de la définition d'une stratégie et d'une structure de gouvernance dédiées à l'ensemble de l'administration, de l'intégration des considérations internationales dans la conception, l'élaboration et la mise en œuvre de la réglementation nationale, et de l'exploitation de la coopération réglementaire internationale bilatérale, régionale et multilatérale pour soutenir les objectifs politiques nationaux. En compilant les différents modes de coopération réglementaire internationale et les expériences des pays, ces Principes de bonnes pratiques de l'OCDE donnent une impulsion aux décideurs et aux fonctionnaires dans une variété d'environnements juridiques et administratifs sur la façon de promouvoir la qualité et la résilience des cadres réglementaires dans un monde de plus en plus interconnecté.

De la lutte contre la COVID-19 et le changement climatique à la lutte contre la corruption et l'évasion fiscale, les organisations internationales (OI) jouent un rôle essentiel en aidant les pays à trouver des solutions à leurs défis communs. Mais afin d’apporter un soutien optimal aux pays et à leurs populations, les instruments internationaux qu’elles élaborent doivent être inclusifs, bien compris et avoir un impact tangible. Ce Recueil de pratiques des organisations internationales rassemble les expériences d'une cinquantaine d'OI dont les mandats, les membres et les cadres institutionnels diffèrent, afin d'en tirer des enseignements pour l'élaboration d’instruments internationaux. Il examine la diversité des instruments dans l'écosystème normatif international, décrit les tendances et les défis, et examine comment renforcer la mise en œuvre et l'évaluation des instruments internationaux, assurer un engagement efficace des parties prenantes et maximiser les possibilités de coordination entre les OI. Le Recueil des OI est conçu pour servir non seulement les praticiens de la politique nationale et internationale, mais aussi les acteurs de la société civile, les experts universitaires, les acteurs privés et les citoyens qui cherchent à comprendre, à bénéficier et éventuellement à contribuer au processus d'élaboration des instruments internationaux.

This Open and Connected Government Review of Thailand, the first of its kind, assesses Thailand’s efforts to build a government that is closer and more responsive to its citizens by using digitalisation, data and stakeholder participation to drive national development. In line with OECD good practices, the Recommendations of the Council on Digital Government Strategies (2014) and on Open Government (2017), and the OECD Digital Government Policy Framework, the review looks at institutional and legal governance, digital talent and skills, public service provision and the strategic use of technologies and data in the Thai government. The review provides policy recommendations to help the government of Thailand fully benefit from openness and digitalisation to build an inclusive, responsive, citizen- and data-driven public administration.

As 'market referees', regulators contribute to the delivery of essential public services. Their organisational culture, behaviour and governance are important factors in how regulators, and the sectors they oversee, perform. The OECD Performance Assessment Framework for Economic Regulators (PAFER) looks at the institutions, processes and practices that can create an organisational culture of performance and results. The report uses PAFER to assess elements linked to both the internal and external governance of Peru’s Water and Sanitation Services Regulator (Superintendencia Nacional de Servicios de Saneamiento, Sunass). The review acknowledges the technical expertise of Sunass within the institutional framework, analyses the key drivers of its performance, and identifies a number of opportunities to help the regulator prepare for the future, including in the context of sector-wide challenges and the COVID-19 crisis.

Mining plays a crucial role in Brazil’s economy. Nonetheless, the efforts and resources devoted to regulatory quality in the sector, including the enforcement of rules, have not always been commensurate. This report identifies the gaps, barriers, implementation flaws and inefficiencies in the regulatory framework of the mining sector in Brazil. It takes stock of the recent reforms in the mining sector in Brazil, identifies areas that pose the greatest challenges for effective regulation in mining. It also describes the reforms that created the National Mining Agency of Brazil, its governance arrangements and its current regulatory practices. These are assessed against OECD principles in regulatory policy and mining regulation, as well as against country experiences from Australia, Chile, and Mexico. Finally, recommendations are provided to support further reform efforts.

Reliable and high-quality connectivity is fundamental for the digital transformation. Furthermore, the COVID-19 health emergency has shown that access to high-quality broadband services at affordable prices, across different territories is essential to ensure that economic and social activities can continue in an increasingly remote manner. However, important disparities in terms of connectivity persist in G20 countries and especially within countries between different types of regions. Overcoming the territorial divide is essential to ensure that no region and its inhabitants are left behind, regardless of where they live. This report offers a roadmap to policy makers to reduce the digital divides experienced by people living in different places within countries. While this is a key policy goal, the reduction of regional disparities needs to be accompanied with sufficiently high levels of broadband speeds across regions for people to be able to fully benefit from the economic opportunities and services brought about by digitalization.