Reguláció

Reguláció (regulation) refers to the process by which rules, standards, and procedures are created and enforced to guide behavior within societies, markets, organizations, and living systems. The term can describe formal governance mechanisms as well as biological control systems, depending on the context.

In public policy, regulation comprises laws and rules issued by government bodies to protect health and safety, ensure environmental protection, maintain fair competition, and safeguard consumers. Regulatory regimes are implemented through legislation, administrative rulemaking, licensing, inspections, reporting requirements, and enforcement actions. The policy cycle typically includes agenda setting, rule formulation, implementation, and evaluation, with stakeholder consultation and impact assessment.

In economics, regulation is used to correct market failures such as externalities, information asymmetries, and natural monopolies, or to provide public goods and financial stability. Tools include price controls, service obligations, access and interoperability rules, and financial oversight. Benefits can include reduced risk and welfare gains, but costs involve compliance burdens, potential inefficiencies, and the risk of regulatory capture.

In biology, reguláció denotes gene regulation—the control of gene expression in cells. Regulatory networks involve transcription factors, noncoding RNAs, epigenetic modifications, and signaling pathways that turn genes on or off in response to internal and external cues, enabling development and adaptation.

Global practice varies by jurisdiction, but common elements include standards, licensing, and data protection rules. Notable issues include balancing public interest with innovation, cross-border regulation, and ongoing evaluation to ensure effectiveness. Examples often cited include GDPR for data protection, REACH for chemical safety, and Basel III for banking regulation.