Abundance

Regulatory environments are something that Klein and Thompson take a close look at in Abundance. Klein and Thompson advocate strongly for American innovation, as they believe the only way to ensure an abundant and utopian future for the US is to support the invention and implementation of new technology. However, they argue that the regulatory bodies of the US government often cause more harm than good, impeding the innovation process. Klein and Thompson offer ample examples of how regulation can stifle innovation, including the impact of negotiation, especially in the context of legislative negotiation. One example is the continuing unsuccessful attempt to implement high-speed rail systems in California. Klein and Thompson state directly that 

what has taken so long on high-speed rail is not hammering nails or pouring concrete. It’s negotiating. Negotiating with courts, with funders, with business owners, with homeowners, with farm owners. Those negotiations cost time, which costs money (76). 

The conversations surrounding high-speed rail stymied the process of building it, as all the conversations with various aspects of the political community cost time and money. As projects become more expensive, they become more difficult to implement, illustrating how negotiation can block innovation.

Regulatory environments have positives, though, as Klein and Thompson do not seek to eliminate oversight and understand that there are reasons that rules and regulations are in place, especially in construction.