Robert Boyer is one of the main founders of the regulatory theory, which emerged in the mid-1970s. Starting with the analysis of long-term capitalism and the emergence of a major crisis, the theory of regulation raises a central question from the outset: the variability over time and the space for economic and social dynamics. This leads to a radical criticism of the neoclassical programme, which calls for the self-regulation of market economies. In response to the questions posed to the economist by a historical approach, the concept of regulation, taken from the Canguilhem philisophe, seems to be more fertile. The study of the regulation of capitalism cannot be the search for abstract economic laws. The aim is to study the transformation of social relationships creating new forms both economic and non-economic, organised into structures, and reproducing a decisive structure, the method of production. In a quarter of a century, many studies have explored and deepened this approach. Two works by Robert Boyer (1986 and 2001) take stock of the work of the Regulatory School and propose new research programmes. By presenting the essence of the two works, the purpose of this contribution to the Dictionary of Major Economic Works is to introduce the reader to the theory of regulation, to highlight its contribution to contemporary economic thinking and to show its relevance and timeliness.