Professor Cristie Ford inaugurated our new LFT Lunchtime Workshop

18. April 2019, von Internetredaktion

Foto: LFT

For a more reliable regulatory system, Professor Cristie Ford of the University of British Columbia sees the need for an anti-romantic view of innovation. Inaugurating this last April 18 the "LFT Lunchtime Workshops", our new series of educational events, Professor Ford stressed how the regulatory process concerning innovation can be compatible with broader policy goals. However, its ingenious nature facilitates the circumvention of existing regulations. Detailing diverse methodologies, Ford encouraged us to think about how to perfect our legal rationale and better analyse the scope of capabilities offered by innovations. 

Professor Ford also emphasised the prudence with which policymakers and regulators should approach innovation given its complexity. We should consider not only the regulatory momentum but the continuous dialogue between innovation and regulation. Finally, Ford emphasised the inevitable political nature of regulation and the need for a critical thinking guide, which we have not yet developed after the financial crisis. If regulators acknowledge the limits of their knowledge, their structural boundaries and blind spots, their capabilities and adaptability in the ever-changing economic and technological environment, they will be better prepared to develop a swift, agile, and concerted response to innovation. If you are still curious, take a look at her book, “Innovation and the State: Finance, Regulation, and Justice”.