Adaptive governance of autonomous vehicles: Accelerating the adoption of disruptive technologies in Singapore

Abstract

Despite their promise, there have been discussions surrounding the technological risks of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the extent to which AVs are ready for large-scale deployment. Using a case study approach, this article examines the development and implementation of AVs in Singapore. Our findings reveal that AV regulatory sandboxes, the formalisation of safety assessments and the release of technical guidelines are some of the most adaptive and innovative instruments that have been adopted to govern AVs in Singapore. Furthermore, Singapore’s approach to AVs has applied an adaptive strategy that is both pre-emptive and responsive. The accelerated expansion of trials and regulatory provisions for AVs demonstrates Singapore’s aspiration to be nimble, and showcases the simultaneous adoption of two contrasting implementation approaches – prescriptive and experimentalist – to guide AV adoption. The regulatory lessons derived from the governance of AVs in Singapore could provide useful policy guidance, and could inform policy discussions of AVs as well as other autonomous systems.