The Institute for Regulation and Competition is dedicated to the variety of links between the state and the economy: Today, the state administration does not only deal with the economy in a sovereign manner, but also fulfills its tasks by involving the services of private companies. The administration buys services on the market, cooperates with private companies and can perform activities itself. Our work focuses on regulation and democracy, urban planning and environmental law, compliance, security and innovation law, energy and sustainability law, public procedural law, competition law and "language and law".

Degree Programs and Continuing Education

The lecturers and research associates affiliated with the Institute for Regulation and Competition lecture in the degree programs of the Department of Business Law and other degree programs of the ZHAW School of Management and Law. The modules they deliver deal with practical and theoretical aspects of issues at the intersection of the state and the private sector.
Our continuing education courses are Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs. They are practical and based on sound theoretical principles.

Research and Consulting

We conduct practice-oriented, interdisciplinary research projects, frequently in collaboration with partners from the commercial or the public sector. In general, research projects are financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) or another public research institution.
In addition, we offer scientifically-based consulting services for municipal authorities and other public or private bodies. Our team has a proven track record with regard to scientific research as well as practical solutions. The interdisciplinary nature of our activities (law and economics) and our close ties to reputable project partners enables us to answer complex questions efficiently and effectively.

Conferences

We organize academic conferences covering all aspects of the activities of public administrations involving the world of commerce. The Winterthur Conference on Public Commercial Law addresses the points of intersection between politics and the economy from a legal perspective with particular consideration given to current issues such as Energy Strategy 2050. 

Publications

Within the context of various projects, the institute releases regular publications by faculty members.