Alternative Mechanisms to Public Consultation: A Scoping Review of Mechanisms for Detecting and Incorporating Stakeholder Insights into Regulatory Governance

This scoping review identifies, maps, and describes mechanisms from the regulatory governance literature that have the potential to incorporate stakeholders’ characteristics, needs, concerns, and perspectives into regulatory decisions, beyond the typical public consultation process. The scoping review identified 21 alternative mechanisms, which were classified into three categories: those specific to the rulemaking process; those specific to the implementation and enforcement phase; and those applicable at any stage of the regulatory process. The significance of this research lies in enhancing the inclusion of stakeholders’ interests and perspectives, including both beneficiaries and affected parties, in the regulatory decision-making process. Additionally, it seeks to find new ways to enhance the effectiveness of regulations in achieving their objectives. This research challenges the common perception that public consultation is the gold standard in regulatory decision-making.