Wirtschaftsrechtwie

Wirtschaftsrechtwie is a coined term used in German-language discussions to denote an interdisciplinary approach to economic law that combines legal analysis with economic theory and policy design. The term signals a methodological orientation that treats legal rules not only as sources of rights and obligations but also as tools to shape economic outcomes such as efficiency, innovation, and social welfare. Proponents view Wirtschaftsrechtwie as a framework for evaluating and designing regulations, contracts, and institutions in ways that account for incentives, information asymmetries, and distributional effects.

Core components include regulatory design, competition policy, corporate governance, contract and financial law, consumer protection, labor and social law, and international trade and investment rules. Methodologically, it draws on economics, law and public policy, employing cost-benefit analysis, empirical impact assessment, econometric studies, and comparative-law analysis to test how legal rules affect behavior and welfare. It emphasizes selective intervention, rule simplification, and evidence-based reform.

Because Wirtschaftsrechtwie is not yet standardized, definitions vary and some scholars critique it for overemphasizing efficiency at the expense of legal certainty, rights protection, or democratic legitimacy. Nevertheless, it is used to discuss how legal systems might better align with economic realities and future challenges such as digital markets, energy transition, and globalization. See also: Wirtschaftsrecht, Rechtsökonomik, regulatory design.