Reggevo

Reggevo is a theoretical framework used in governance studies and systems theory to describe how regulatory design interacts with governance outcomes in socio-technical networks. The term is a portmanteau of regulation and governance, signaling its focus on the reciprocal influence between rules and actors. In its conception, reggevo comprises three interrelated elements: regulatory rules (the formal and informal norms, standards, and incentives that shape actor behavior), governance actors (public authorities, private firms, civil society, and intermediary institutions), and feedback mechanisms (informational signals, evaluation procedures, and adaptive learning processes that adjust rules and practices over time).

Mechanisms and dynamics: reggevo emphasizes iterative loops where performance data, compliance evidence, and stakeholder legitimacy feed into rule revision and governance reconfiguration. It highlights the importance of legitimacy, resilience, and accountability in sustaining regulatory regimes under uncertainty.

Applications and debates: Since its introduction, reggevo has been used in theoretical analyses of energy systems, urban infrastructure, data governance, and environmental policy to explain how arrangements evolve rather than assuming fixed regimes. Proponents argue it helps integrate regulatory design with adaptive governance, while critics note its abstraction and difficulty in empirical operationalization.

History and reception: The concept emerged in scholarly discussions of adaptive governance in the 2010s and remains primarily a theoretical lens rather than a formal methodology. It is often discussed alongside related concepts such as cybernetics, complex systems, and adaptive management.

See also governance, regulation, cybernetics, adaptive management.