In this paper we explore: What are definitions for legal innovation and regulatory innovation? in the context of the whole lifecycle of regulation. We use systematic literature review (SLR) method. The lifecycle of regulation consists of law drafting, law implementation, monitoring, and sanction of law in act. Definitions of legal/regulatory innovations (LRIs) are interpreted and applied in the field of public regulation as well as private regulation. Our paper has two objectives: Provide a holistic account of the literature on legal/regulatory innovations based on current knowledge about a set of key research themes; Identifying an agenda addressing new research directions in this field of study. We found out that only few writers in the selected articles clearly define, what do they mean with the terms legal or regulatory innovation. SLR analyses provided an overview of the topics of legal and regulatory innovations: Topic 1: LRIs in the context of Complex Adaptive Systems; Topic 2: LRIs for social welfare and Topic 3: LRIs in the different levels, networks of actors and phases of the regulatory life cycle. LRIs develop in complex adaptive systems which means that there is a continuous relationship between legal system and society. New kind of LRIs were discussed in the context of public and private regulation: Default design, Sandboxes and Nudge are possible tools of new governance approaches to regulation developed by governments. Process standards compared to traditional product standards are seen more innovative as they allow regulates develop most innovative way to comply the standards. Process-based standards and other standards developed by private actors have a lot to offer for the development of new LRIs. Regulatory knowledge is needed in the dynamic, complex society, in order to understand how LRIs can promote the change towards desired goals.