Cracking the code
Rulemaking for humans and machines
Rules as Code (RaC) is an exciting concept that rethinks one of the core functions
of governments: rulemaking. It proposes that governments create an official version
of rules (e.g. laws and regulations) in a machine-consumable form, which allows rules
to be understood and actioned by computer systems in a consistent way. More than simply
a technocratic solution, RaC represents a transformational shift in how governments
create rules, and how third parties consume them. Across the world, public sector
teams are exploring the concept and its potential as a response to an increasingly
complex operating environment and growing pressures on incumbent rulemaking systems.
Cracking the Code is intended to help those working both within and outside of government
to understand the potential, limitations and implications of RaC, as well as how it
could be applied in a public service context.
Published on October 12, 2020Also available in: French
In series:OECD Working Papers on Public Governanceview more titles