3.X.1. PechaKucha: Protecting space for investment in Health: making sense of the changing regulatory environment

Abstract Background The role of regulation in improving population health and reducing health inequities is widely accepted. However, the impact of newer approaches to regulation on Health in All Policies, are understudied, specifically the relationships between trade and public health. This workshop explores the extent to which the innovation and “Better Regulation” principles are gaining ground. It will build understanding of how the plurality that underpins regulation shapes the policy space available to prevent and address harms to population health and health equity. We will explore how to craft appropriate responses to the changing geopolitical environment. Why now? Over 30 years ago, high levels of health and environmental protection were prioritised formally by incorporating the precautionary principle into treaties of the European Community. Since then, industry capture of the agenda of the innovation principle and “Better Regulation” as de-regulation rather than as enhancing collaboration and policy coherence have emerged. While the recent adoption of the UN's Agreement on Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction and the ban on advertising unhealthy food and drinks in Norway, including on-line, are positive, other evidence suggests that the policy space afforded to Health in All policies is shrinking, with other fields being accorded more weight. This challenges the current paradigm in public health where we advocate for system-wide responses and regulatory action to address the commercial determinants of health with a clear view of the role and mandate of national and regional governments to protect health. Objectives Increase understanding of the impact of emergent and longstanding principles emerging from the trade and investment fields on European public health policy space by providing an overview of the current evidence. Review how regulatory principles shape policy through analysis of the case studies. Explore how to respond to the encroachment of industry, trade and investment agreements and their approaches to regulatory principles into this area and identify priorities for addressing the commercial determinants of health and protecting Health in All Policies through the panel discussion and questions Added value We will draw on our studies of the impact of trade policy on health to show the diverse regulatory principles used in standard setting, how they can restrict efforts to intervene on public health grounds and expand consideration of the principles underpinning “Better Regulation” to the relationships between trade, public health and health equity. We will present two case studies that illustrate the potential impact of the precautionary versus the innovation principle, explore options for responding to the changing approach to regulation and trade, and how to optimise efforts to protect public health and the determinants of health equity. Key messages • Corporate capture of innovation, standard-setting, regulation, and health is reducing the policy space for health and scope for the multilevel action required to advance Health in All Policies. • New forms of policy response and public health action are necessary to meet the challenges of the new regulatory environment. Speakers/Panellists Meri Koivusalo University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland Chloe Stephenson Tampere University, Tampere, Finland Abbe Brown TIPU/ University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK