German Government Publishes Draft Law to Enhance Innovation Testing Framework and Promote Regulatory Learning
Berlin, January 15, 2025 – The German government has released a draft law aimed at improving the framework for innovation testing in real-world laboratories (Reallabors) and fostering regulatory learning. This legislation, known as the Reallabore-Gesetz (ReallaboreG), is expected to undergo parliamentary debate and approval in the coming months.
Background
Reallabors are designated environments where innovative technologies and solutions can be tested and evaluated in a controlled and real-world setting. This approach enables researchers and businesses to gather valuable data, validate concepts, and gain insights into the potential societal and economic impacts of new products and services.
However, the existing regulatory framework in Germany has been identified as a barrier to the effective operation of Reallabors. The draft ReallaboreG aims to address these challenges by providing a clearer and more flexible legal basis for innovation testing.
Key Provisions
The draft ReallaboreG introduces several key provisions, including:
- Definition of Reallabors: The law defines Reallabors as “controlled and limited experimental environments” where innovative technologies and solutions can be tested under real-world conditions.
- Regulatory Sandbox: A new “regulatory sandbox” mechanism is established to allow for temporary exemptions from certain regulations that may hinder innovation testing.
- Data Protection: The draft law includes provisions to ensure the protection of personal data collected during Reallabor experiments.
- Evaluation and Learning: The law requires regular evaluations of Reallabor experiments to assess their outcomes and inform regulatory decision-making.
Benefits of the ReallaboreG
Proponents of the ReallaboreG argue that it will provide numerous benefits, including:
- Accelerated Innovation: The new framework will enable businesses and researchers to test and develop innovative solutions more quickly and efficiently.
- Enhanced Flexibility: The regulatory sandbox mechanism will provide the necessary flexibility to adapt regulations to the specific needs of innovative projects.
- Increased Competitiveness: A more supportive environment for innovation testing will enhance Germany’s competitiveness in emerging technologies and industries.
- Improved Regulation: The evaluation and learning component of the ReallaboreG will contribute to evidence-based regulatory decision-making and reduce the risk of over- or under-regulation.
Next Steps
The draft ReallaboreG will now be subject to parliamentary debate and approval. The Bundesrat (upper house of parliament) has already provided positive feedback, while some amendments may be proposed before the final version of the law is adopted.
Once enacted, the ReallaboreG is expected to have a significant impact on the German innovation ecosystem. It is anticipated to facilitate collaboration between businesses, researchers, and regulators, fostering a more favorable environment for the development and testing of cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
20/14516: Unterrichtung Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Verbesserung der Rahmenbedingungen für die Erprobung von Innovationen in Reallaboren und zur Förderung des regulatorischen Lernens (Reallabore-Gesetz – ReallaboreG) – 20/14198 – Stellungnahme des Bundesrates und Gegenäußerung der Bundesregierung (PDF)
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Drucksachen a new article on 2025-01-15 11:00 titled “20/14516: Unterrichtung Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Verbesserung der Rahmenbedingungen für die Erprobung von Innovationen in Reallaboren und zur Förderung des regulatorischen Lernens (Reallabore-Gesetz – ReallaboreG) – 20/14198 – Stellungnahme des Bundesrates und Gegenäußerung der Bundesregierung (PDF)”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
60