The importance of effective regulation has never been so clear as it is today, in the wake of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. But how exactly can Better Regulation policy improve countries economic and social welfare prospects, underpin sustained growth and strengthen their resilience? What, in fact, is effective regulation? What should be the shape and direction of Better Regulation policy over the next decade? To respond to these questions, the OECD has launched, in partnership with the European Commission, a major project examining Better Regulation developments in 15 OECD countries in the EU. Each report maps and analyzes the core issues which together make up effective regulatory management, laying down a framework of what should be driving regulatory policy and reform in the future. Issues examined include: Strategy and policies for improving regulatory management Institutional capacities for effective regulation and the broader pol.