The role of regulation in spurring innovation and growth in the EU and the UK
Since the 2008 financial crisis, both the EU and the UK have experienced sustained periods of low growth and weak productivity. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these trends, and their share of global GDP has continued to decline, especially relative to the US and emerging economies. This has provoked scrutiny… Read More
Reasserting the UK’s FRAND framework: implications of the Court of Appeal’s decision in Optis v Apple
Nearly a decade after establishing the UK’s FRAND framework in Unwired Planet v Huawei (2017), Lord Justice Birss returned in Optis v Apple (2025)—this time in the Court of Appeal—to steer the law back to his original approach.1 That means identifying the closest comparator(s), adjusting the… Read More
Podcasts
What’s driving the loss of skilled women in STEM?
Despite progress in education, women remain significantly underrepresented in many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields—and those who do enter are more likely to leave mid-career. In the UK, for example, women make up 30% of economics undergraduates, but just 15% of professors. So why are we still failing… Read More
The Independent Water Commission—implications for regulation
This week brought the publication of the Independent Water Commission’s final recommendations for reforming the England and Wales water sector. The report identifies a set of recommendations intended to drive a ‘fundamental reset’ in the industry and restore public trust. In this note, we explore five aspects of the Commission’s… Read More
Why is productivity slowing down—and what does it mean for growth?
Across developed economies—including the UK, France, Japan, and the US—productivity growth has been slowing for decades. This trend appears to contradict the rapid pace of technological innovation, particularly in AI, and the transformative effects of globalisation. So why, despite all this progress, is economic growth falling? In this episode of… Read More
Reform of the German electricity grid tariff system: should producers pay grid charges?
The German regulator Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA) published a discussion paper regarding the future of electricity grid charges in Germany in May 2025.1 The paper asks critical questions regarding the future grid charging architecture in Germany and the consultation could yield a complete system overhaul in relation to tariff design. Read More
Ofgem RIIO-3 Draft Determinations
On 1 July 2025, Ofgem published its Draft Determinations (DDs) for the RIIO-3 price control for the GB electricity transmission (ET), gas distribution (GD) and gas transmission (GT) sectors for the period 2026 to 2031.1 The DDs set out the envisaged regulatory framework, including the baseline cost allowances,… Read More
Time to get real about hydrogen (and the regulatory tools to do so)
It’s ‘time for a reality check’ on the realistic prospects of progress towards the EU’s ambitious hydrogen goals, according to the European Court of Auditors’ (ECA) evaluation of the EU’s renewable hydrogen strategy.1 The same message is echoed in some recent assessments within member states, for example by… Read More
Financing the green transition: can private capital bridge the gap?
The green transition isn’t just about switching from fossil fuels to renewable or zero-carbon sources—it also requires smarter, more efficient use of energy. By harnessing technology, improving energy efficiency, and generating power closer to where it’s consumed, we can cut both costs and carbon emissions. In this episode of Top… Read More
A map of AI policies in the EEA and UK
Oxera offers an overview of AI-related policies in EEA countries and the UK through an interactive map. This AI Policy Map allows users to follow developments in AI regulation and examine national policy approaches in more detail. Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving technological change at an unprecedented pace, transforming industries,… Read More