Anais
Resumo do trabalho
Administração Pública · Gestão e Inovação em Políticas Públicas
Título
Building Regulatory Capacity Through Experimentation: Exploring the Governance of Regulatory Sandboxes
Palavras-chave
governance
regulatory sandbox
innovation
Autores
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Jeovan Assis da SilvaUNIVERSIDADE DE BRASÍLIA (UNB)
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Simone Tiêssa de Jesus AlvesUniversidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - UEMG
Resumo
Introdução
Regulatory sandboxes allow for testing innovations in a controlled environment with regulatory oversight and flexible rules. Since 2015, their adoption has expanded across sectors and countries. This study examines how the capacities of regulators and participants influence sandbox governance, focusing on the Brazilian case. It contributes to debates on experimental regulation, especially in contexts with limited institutional capacity and restricted stakeholder participation.
Problema de Pesquisa e Objetivo
This paper addresses the following research question: How do the capacities of both the regulator and the participant influence the governance structure of the sandbox? The aim is to explore how these capacities interact in shaping governance models and innovation processes, considering the challenges they pose to transparency, public interest protection, trust-building, and stakeholder engagement. This research contributes to the literature on regulatory governance at a moment when experimental approaches such as sandboxes are increasingly adopted to promote innovation.
Fundamentação Teórica
This study adopts an analytical framework focused on the interaction among five aspects related to regulatory sandbox governance: (i) stakeholder participation (Fahy, 2022); (ii) accountability (Johnson, 2023); (iii) trust-building between regulators and participants (Alaassar, Mention & Aas, 2020); (iv) public interest protection (Ranchordas & Vinci, 2024) and (v) regulatory innovation (Cunha & Donadelli, 2025). The analysis draws on literature about regulatory polycentrism and responsive innovation (Ansell & Gash, 2008; Black, 2008).
Metodologia
This study adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on semi-structured interviews with experienced civil servants involved in regulatory sandbox initiatives across seven federal regulatory bodies in Brazil. Conducted via video conferencing in April and May 2025, the interviews examined key aspects of sandbox governance. The participants held technical positions within agencies recognized for their high levels of professionalism and expertise. Each interview lasted approximately 40 minutes, was audio recorded, transcribed, and subsequently subjected to content analysis.
Análise dos Resultados
The research proposed a novel analytical model to examine regulatory sandbox governance, based on five dimensions: stakeholder involvement, accountability, trust-building, public interest protection, and regulatory innovation. Interviews enabled the mapping of common and sector-specific patterns. The model integrates three core constructs—governance structure, regulator capacity, and participant capacity—which together shape interactions, stakeholder engagement, and the balance between innovation and accountability.
Conclusão
This study contributes to the understanding of how regulatory and participant capacities shape the structure of the governance of regulatory sandboxes, particularly within the emerging Brazilian experience. The findings illustrate that, while there is substantial variation in approaches across agencies, common challenges persist regarding resource constraints, stakeholder articulation, and balancing public interest protection with regulatory flexibility.
Contribuição / Impacto
A key contribution of this study lies in the development of an analytical model that integrates regulatory capacities, stakeholder dynamics, accountability mechanisms, and innovation processes. This model offers a useful framework for both academic inquiry and practical application, particularly for regulatory agencies seeking to design and supervise experimental initiatives involving emerging technologies. By comparing the experiences of different sectors within Brazil the study provides valuable insights into the diverse institutional strategies that arise in implementing sandboxes.
Referências Bibliográficas
Alaassar, A., Mention, A.-L., & Aas, T. H. (2020). Exploring how social interactions influence regulators and innovators in fintech regulatory sandboxes. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 160, 120257.
Braithwaite, J. (2011). The essence of responsive regulation. UBCL Review, 44(3), 475–520.
Cunha, B. Q., & Donadelli, F. (2025). Mapping the relationship between regulation and innovation from an interdisciplinary perspective: A critical systematic review of the literature. Regulation & Governance, 19(1), 161–181.
Braithwaite, J. (2011). The essence of responsive regulation. UBCL Review, 44(3), 475–520.
Cunha, B. Q., & Donadelli, F. (2025). Mapping the relationship between regulation and innovation from an interdisciplinary perspective: A critical systematic review of the literature. Regulation & Governance, 19(1), 161–181.