Political Geography: Global Focus / Topic: Regulation

Author:: John W. Dawson
Publication Date:: 10-2006
Content Type:: Journal Article
Journal:: The Cato Journal
Institution:: The Cato Institute
Abstract:: Numerous studies have explored the relationship between economic freedom and long-run economic growth across countries.1 One particular aspect of economic freedom that has received relatively little attention in the empirical growth literature, however, is the extent of government regulation. Determining the impact of regulation on cross-country economic performance has been virtually impossible because of the inherent difficulties in measuring the scope of regulation across countries. While a few studies investigate various aspects of specific regulations, none are able to assess the importance of a comprehensive measure of regulation on long-run economic performance in a large sample of countries.
Topic:: Regulation, Economic Growth, and Investment
Political Geography:: Global Focus

Author:: Gerald P. O'Driscoll Jr.
Publication Date:: 10-2006
Content Type:: Journal Article
Journal:: The Cato Journal
Institution:: The Cato Institute
Abstract:: In this article, we reconsider the rationale for government regulation of markets. We begin by identifying markets as governed not only by prices but also by evolved institutions, rules, and standards. We then analyze how this complex order regulates human behavior, discuss the case for adding a layer of government regulation to the market’s own regulatory system, and present a number of case studies to clarify the issues. Our focus is not on the familiar public choice criticism of government regulation—namely, that regulation is more about the pursuit of economic rents than protecting the so-called public interest. While that criticism is correct and we make reference to it where appropriate, the thrust of our argument is that market self-regulation is often superior to government regulation, which frequently is a solution in search of a problem.
Topic:: Government, Markets, Regulation, and Economy
Political Geography:: Global Focus

Author:: Steven Yarger
Publication Date:: 05-2006
Content Type:: Journal Article
Journal:: Journal of Public and International Affairs (JPIA)
Institution:: School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), Princeton University
Abstract:: Intellectual property (IP) assets are of paramount importance in the developed world. Yet the regulations used to protect these assets artifi cially limit their application in developing countries that could benefi t from the ideas these assets utilize. In the software industry, and because of distinct characteristics of software IP, this paper offers a solution that shares the value of these assets among various parties to improve outcomes for all. Through a partnership between local government and software IP owners, the labor enhancing benefi ts of software can be spread throughout the developing world legally and effi ciently
Topic:: Development, Intellectual Property/Copyright, Regulation, and Software
Political Geography:: Global Focus

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