case study

Designing a regulatory framework for a special economic zone

CLIENT TYPE
A regulatory authority

INDUSTRY
Government

LOCATION
Middle East & North Africa

DURATION
Ongoing

Challenge

A newly established regulatory authority, overseeing multiple policy areas in a special economic zone (SEZ), needed to develop and implement an entirely new system for creating policies and ensuring regulatory quality across all departments. The authority lacked the infrastructure and institutional knowledge to manage such a complex, cross-cutting regulatory environment, and needed a comprehensive framework to guide the development of policies and regulations in line with its strategic goals.

Approach
  • Developed a comprehensive regulatory framework outlining clear principles, processes, roles, and responsibilities, enabling the client to effectively leverage public policy to achieve its strategic objectives.
  • Designed a centralized Public Policy Division to ensure a coordinated and coherent approach to public policy development, working in close collaboration with a Regulations Division responsible for regulatory drafting.
  • Implemented the regulatory framework across the organization by creating internal tools, templates, and infrastructure, conducting training and capacity-building sessions, and institutionalizing the policy development process.

 

Impact

The regulatory framework we developed was approved by the client’s Board and successfully implemented across the organization. The establishment of the centralized Public Policy Division enabled a cohesive, strategic approach to policy development. Our ongoing support, including embedding staff within the Division, facilitated the development of more than 50 new policies across critical areas such as land use, housing, and environmental compliance. This comprehensive regulatory infrastructure has empowered the SEZ to achieve its strategic objectives, laying a solid foundation for it to function as a dynamic, autonomous entity within the Gulf region.