GW Regulatory Studies Podcast

Economist and scholar Mary Sullivan joins the podcast to share perspectives on the proposed introduction of distributional weighting as part of the new draft Circular A-4. The circular, which guides analysis of regulatory costs and benefits, aims to address issues of equity when those costs and benefits are borne differently among various groups. Trade-offs in economic efficiency and lesser transparency are important factors to consider, Mary explains.

Although consultation promises to bolster the legitimacy of government decisions, it is possible that—in practice—instruments such as the notice and comment process fail to promote transparency, participation, and responsiveness in policymaking. In this discussion, we hear from RSC Co-director Steven Balla and PhD candidates Bosco Yeung and Huang Chen—authors of a new paper on the consultative policy process used in Hong Kong. Listen for highlights about Hong Kong's effectiveness in consultation and recommendations to improve public participation. Access the complete paper at https://regulatorystudies.columbian.gwu.edu/transparency-participation-and-responsiveness-hong-kong-consultative-policymaking.