Drivers and Effects of the Size and Composition of Telecoms Regulatory Agencies

How do the staff size and the skill mix of a regulatory agency affect the manner in which it functions, and its effectiveness in meeting its goals? National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) for electronic communications differ greatly from one another in terms of the number and the composition of their staff, particularly in terms of the mix between lawyers, engineers, and economists. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently acknowledged the need to strengthen its economics and engineering capabilities. What can be said about the “right” size and composition for an NRA’s staff? How do staff size and composition impact the functionality and effectiveness of the agency? Could an NRA improve its effectiveness by achieving a more appropriate staffing level, or a better balance of staff skills?