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When failure is an option: redundancy, reliability and regulation in complex technical systems

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  • Downer, John

Abstract

This paper argues that redundancy in engineering, should be understood as a 'design paradigm' that frames regulatory assessments and interpretations of all complex technical systems, profoundly shaping decisions and judgements about modern technologies. It will further argue that the 'redundancy paradigm' used by regulators contains epistemic ambiguities that lead to imperfect predictions about the effects of redundancy in practice. By deconstructing the logic of redundancy in relation to aviation regulation, this paper illuminates much wider issues about technology governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Downer, John, 2009. "When failure is an option: redundancy, reliability and regulation in complex technical systems," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 36537, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:36537
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/36537/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peltzman, Sam, 1975. "The Effects of Automobile Safety Regulation," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 83(4), pages 677-725, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chaves, Andrew & Rice, Mason & Dunlap, Stephen & Pecarina, John, 2017. "Improving the cyber resilience of industrial control systems," International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Elsevier, vol. 17(C), pages 30-48.

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