Introduction: Regulation-a multifaceted instrument

The introduction presents the development of the concept of regulation over the past decades, and the ensuing formation of regulatory agencies of varied types. The introduction poses questions related to the underlying values of regulation and thus provides a common framework for the broad spectrum of subjects, issues, and regulatory mechanisms that are discussed in the articles. A glossary of regulation terms is presented to create a basis for a shared language in an area of study that is still in its early stages of theoretical enquiry.