All are hallmarks of a regulatory and governance system that is struggling to deal with the speed and scale of the disruption presented by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. And while speed and scale are significant factors, we are still debating what to do about new types of problems created by online platforms that have been around for more than 10 years.

On the other side of the coin, many sectors like transport or energy are not changing fast enough to capture the public value of these innovations.

Nesta’s anticipatory regulation model maps out how revitalised, experimental, data-driven and publicly engaged regulation can be a way to not only mitigate potential harms but also spur innovation. So, are regulatory systems built in the 70s and 80s still up to the job in a digital age?

This is a critical time to discuss the role of regulation as we face a post Brexit future. Do we need new institutions, new ways of identifying and responding to issues or a radically different way of thinking?

This event explored perspectives on where the problems lie, from legitimacy to short term thinking, and what should happen next.