2023 Asian Law Schools Association (ALSA) Conference
We are delighted to announce that the Asian Law Schools Association (ALSA) in collaboration with the NYCU School of Law will be hosting an international conference on "Emerging Technologies, Social Change, and Legal Innovation" on 2-3 December 2023, at the Guangfu Campus in Hsinchu, Taiwan. The conference aims to explore the complex interplay between emerging technologies, social change, and legal innovation. In the past few decades, we have seen the rapid development and deployment of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, and regenerative medicine, which have had a significant impact on society. As a result, laws and regulations have been struggling to keep up with the pace of technological innovation. This conference aims to explore the legal implications of these emerging technologies and examine the ways in which laws can be adapted to meet the challenges posed by technological advancements.
We invite scholars from various disciplines, including law, technology, management, policy, and science, technology, and society (STS), including young scholars and doctoral students, to submit abstracts for papers that explore the impact of emerging technologies on law, society, and governance. The conference will offer a platform for interdisciplinary discussions and an opportunity for participants to share their research, experiences, and ideas on this important topic.
The topics may include, but are not limited to:
As innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain continue to reshape the legal industry, legal education must adapt to keep pace. However, the rapid adoption of these technologies also raises concerns about the need for regulation and ethical considerations. Therefore, contributions are encouraged to discuss the role of regulation in shaping legal education and how to ensure the ethical use of innovative technologies in the legal profession.
The development of generative AI has the potential to transform a wide range of industries, including art, design, and entertainment. However, the potential risks of generative AI, including the potential for bias and the misuse of personal data, require careful consideration. Contributions are encouraged to examine the legal and ethical implications of generative AI, as well as the need for regulation to ensure that its impact is socially responsible. The social impact of digital technology also encompasses a range of issues, including privacy, inequality, and social norms. The widespread use of digital technology has given rise to concerns about the impact on social interactions, mental health, and the future of work. As such, there is a need for careful consideration of the legal and ethical implications of digital technology, as well as the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks to mitigate its potential negative effects.
As the use of AI becomes more widespread, there is a growing need for trustworthy and reliable AI systems. However, there are currently no clear standards for assessing the trustworthiness of AI systems, and the lack of transparency and accountability in their development and use has raised concerns about potential risks. Contributions are encouraged to explore the legal and ethical implications of trustable AI, including the need for regulation to ensure that AI systems are developed and used in a responsible and trustworthy manner.
With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive information and ensuring the privacy of electronic devices and systems, there is a growing need for regulation to prevent unauthorized access, theft, and damage. The legal and policy implications of cybersecurity need to be explored, such as balancing national security concerns with the need to protect civil liberties and promote innovation.
Algorithmic governance is the use of computer algorithms and artificial intelligence to make decisions in areas such as law enforcement, healthcare, and education. Digital citizenship, on the other hand, pertains to the rights and responsibilities of individuals in the digital world. It is crucial to discuss the legal and ethical implications of algorithmic governance and digital citizenship, and how regulation can ensure accountability, transparency, and fairness.
Advances in neuroscience are changing our understanding of the human brain and behavior, and have the potential to impact legal and ethical frameworks. Regulatory measures need to be taken to ensure that these advances are used for the betterment of society. Neuroscience and law is an interdisciplinary field that explores the intersection of neuroscience and legal theory, and considers the implications of new findings for the criminal justice system, mental health, and other areas.
Digital platforms are online spaces that enable users to share information, collaborate, and interact with others. Nowadays, digital platforms raise legal and ethical concerns, such as intellectual property, privacy, and competition, and require regulatory measures to ensure fairness and accountability. It is crucial to explore the role of regulation in digital platforms, particularly in social media, e-commerce sites, and online marketplaces.
Biomedical innovation is advancing rapidly, creating new opportunities for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Regenerative medicine, AI, IoT, and telehealth are transforming healthcare. Reproductive technology raises legal and ethical questions about the right to procreate and parental rights. Genetic editing technology holds great promise for curing genetic diseases, but also raises ethical questions. We welcome submissions on these topics related to biomedical innovation and the law, and urge discussions to include regulatory measures for responsible use.
We welcome contributions on the legal challenges related to the rise of digital platforms and the gig economy, particularly the impact on workers' rights and the role of law in addressing these challenges. Additionally, we encourage discussions on the legal and ethical implications of digital human rights, including both opportunities and challenges presented by digital technologies.
The growth of emerging technologies has raised significant national security concerns, and governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate these technologies. Contributions are sought on the challenges of regulating emerging technologies in a way that balances national security concerns with the need to protect civil liberties and promote innovation.
The growth of digital technologies has transformed international trade, creating new challenges related to intellectual property rights, privacy, and data protection. We invite contributions that explore the legal and policy implications of digital trade and the challenges of developing a regulatory framework that can accommodate the unique features of digital trade.
Emerging technologies offer promising solutions for mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. However, they also raise environmental and social risks that require careful consideration. We welcome contributions on the legal implications of emerging technologies for climate change and sustainable development, and the regulatory measures needed to promote responsible use.
The growth of smart cities and intelligent transportation systems presents exciting possibilities, but also significant legal and policy challenges. Topics of interest include privacy, cybersecurity, and the regulation of emerging technologies in urban environments. We encourage submissions that explore these implications and suggest regulatory measures to ensure responsible use and promote public safety.
The field of public health has become increasingly intertwined with technology in recent years, particularly with regards to the development and distribution of vaccines and the tools and strategies used to respond to pandemics. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the need for continued innovation and collaboration in this area is more pressing than ever. Topics that could be covered include vaccine development and distribution, contact tracing and surveillance tools, data analysis and visualization, and the use of AI and machine learning in public health. The conference could also explore issues related to equity, ethics, and governance in the use of technology for public health, as well as the broader social, economic, and political implications of these developments.
The sharing of data has become increasingly important for research and innovation in various fields, from healthcare to finance. However, the use of data also presents significant ethical and legal challenges, such as privacy and cybersecurity risks. The concept of data governance has gained traction globally, with the EU proposing the EU Data Space and enacting the Data Governance Act, while the US implemented the 21st Century Cures Act to promote biomedical data sharing. In Taiwan, the Constitutional Interpretation No. 13 had a significant impact on data protection and privacy, highlighting the importance of responsible data sharing. Submissions discussing the legal and ethical implications of data sharing in light of these governance frameworks are particularly welcome.
As society ages, there is a growing need for technological innovations that can help support the health and well-being of older adults. From assistive technologies to social robots, there are numerous technological solutions being developed to address the challenges of an aging population. However, the use of these technologies also raises ethical and legal issues, such as autonomy and privacy concerns. Contributions are encouraged to explore the legal and ethical implications of using emerging technologies in an aging society, as well as the need for regulation to ensure responsible use and protect individual rights.
Submissions from scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and experts from various disciplines and regions, as well as collaborative and interdisciplinary contributions, are highly encouraged.
The conference provides an excellent opportunity for participants to engage in scholarly exchange, networking, and collaboration, and to visit Taiwan, a vibrant and dynamic country that has been at the forefront of innovation in technology and law. As home to Hsinchu, the "Silicon Valley of Taiwan," and the core of the chip war, the city of Hsinchu is known as the semiconductor capital of the world.
We encourage you to submit your proposals and join us for what promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking conference.
If you are interested in contributing and/or have any questions, please contact: lawconf@nycu.edu.tw
More information can be found at https://lawconference.web.nycu.edu.tw/
Papers and panels submission procedure
We invite scholars from various disciplines, including law, technology, management, policy, and science, technology, and society (STS), including young scholars and doctoral students, to submit abstracts for papers that explore the impact of emerging technologies on law, society, and governance. The conference will offer a platform for interdisciplinary discussions and an opportunity for participants to share their research, experiences, and ideas on this important topic.
The topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Innovative technology and legal education
As innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain continue to reshape the legal industry, legal education must adapt to keep pace. However, the rapid adoption of these technologies also raises concerns about the need for regulation and ethical considerations. Therefore, contributions are encouraged to discuss the role of regulation in shaping legal education and how to ensure the ethical use of innovative technologies in the legal profession.
- Social Impact of Generative AI and digital technology
The development of generative AI has the potential to transform a wide range of industries, including art, design, and entertainment. However, the potential risks of generative AI, including the potential for bias and the misuse of personal data, require careful consideration. Contributions are encouraged to examine the legal and ethical implications of generative AI, as well as the need for regulation to ensure that its impact is socially responsible. The social impact of digital technology also encompasses a range of issues, including privacy, inequality, and social norms. The widespread use of digital technology has given rise to concerns about the impact on social interactions, mental health, and the future of work. As such, there is a need for careful consideration of the legal and ethical implications of digital technology, as well as the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks to mitigate its potential negative effects.
- Trustable AI
As the use of AI becomes more widespread, there is a growing need for trustworthy and reliable AI systems. However, there are currently no clear standards for assessing the trustworthiness of AI systems, and the lack of transparency and accountability in their development and use has raised concerns about potential risks. Contributions are encouraged to explore the legal and ethical implications of trustable AI, including the need for regulation to ensure that AI systems are developed and used in a responsible and trustworthy manner.
- Cybersecurity
With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive information and ensuring the privacy of electronic devices and systems, there is a growing need for regulation to prevent unauthorized access, theft, and damage. The legal and policy implications of cybersecurity need to be explored, such as balancing national security concerns with the need to protect civil liberties and promote innovation.
- Algorithmic governance and digital citizenship
Algorithmic governance is the use of computer algorithms and artificial intelligence to make decisions in areas such as law enforcement, healthcare, and education. Digital citizenship, on the other hand, pertains to the rights and responsibilities of individuals in the digital world. It is crucial to discuss the legal and ethical implications of algorithmic governance and digital citizenship, and how regulation can ensure accountability, transparency, and fairness.
- Neuroscience and law
Advances in neuroscience are changing our understanding of the human brain and behavior, and have the potential to impact legal and ethical frameworks. Regulatory measures need to be taken to ensure that these advances are used for the betterment of society. Neuroscience and law is an interdisciplinary field that explores the intersection of neuroscience and legal theory, and considers the implications of new findings for the criminal justice system, mental health, and other areas.
- Digital platform
Digital platforms are online spaces that enable users to share information, collaborate, and interact with others. Nowadays, digital platforms raise legal and ethical concerns, such as intellectual property, privacy, and competition, and require regulatory measures to ensure fairness and accountability. It is crucial to explore the role of regulation in digital platforms, particularly in social media, e-commerce sites, and online marketplaces.
- Biomedical innovation
Biomedical innovation is advancing rapidly, creating new opportunities for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Regenerative medicine, AI, IoT, and telehealth are transforming healthcare. Reproductive technology raises legal and ethical questions about the right to procreate and parental rights. Genetic editing technology holds great promise for curing genetic diseases, but also raises ethical questions. We welcome submissions on these topics related to biomedical innovation and the law, and urge discussions to include regulatory measures for responsible use.
- Digital labor and human rights
We welcome contributions on the legal challenges related to the rise of digital platforms and the gig economy, particularly the impact on workers' rights and the role of law in addressing these challenges. Additionally, we encourage discussions on the legal and ethical implications of digital human rights, including both opportunities and challenges presented by digital technologies.
- National security and technology regulation
The growth of emerging technologies has raised significant national security concerns, and governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate these technologies. Contributions are sought on the challenges of regulating emerging technologies in a way that balances national security concerns with the need to protect civil liberties and promote innovation.
- Digital trade
The growth of digital technologies has transformed international trade, creating new challenges related to intellectual property rights, privacy, and data protection. We invite contributions that explore the legal and policy implications of digital trade and the challenges of developing a regulatory framework that can accommodate the unique features of digital trade.
- Climate change and sustainable development
Emerging technologies offer promising solutions for mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. However, they also raise environmental and social risks that require careful consideration. We welcome contributions on the legal implications of emerging technologies for climate change and sustainable development, and the regulatory measures needed to promote responsible use.
- Smart cities and intelligent transportation systems
The growth of smart cities and intelligent transportation systems presents exciting possibilities, but also significant legal and policy challenges. Topics of interest include privacy, cybersecurity, and the regulation of emerging technologies in urban environments. We encourage submissions that explore these implications and suggest regulatory measures to ensure responsible use and promote public safety.
- Technology and public health
The field of public health has become increasingly intertwined with technology in recent years, particularly with regards to the development and distribution of vaccines and the tools and strategies used to respond to pandemics. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the need for continued innovation and collaboration in this area is more pressing than ever. Topics that could be covered include vaccine development and distribution, contact tracing and surveillance tools, data analysis and visualization, and the use of AI and machine learning in public health. The conference could also explore issues related to equity, ethics, and governance in the use of technology for public health, as well as the broader social, economic, and political implications of these developments.
- Data sharing and governance
The sharing of data has become increasingly important for research and innovation in various fields, from healthcare to finance. However, the use of data also presents significant ethical and legal challenges, such as privacy and cybersecurity risks. The concept of data governance has gained traction globally, with the EU proposing the EU Data Space and enacting the Data Governance Act, while the US implemented the 21st Century Cures Act to promote biomedical data sharing. In Taiwan, the Constitutional Interpretation No. 13 had a significant impact on data protection and privacy, highlighting the importance of responsible data sharing. Submissions discussing the legal and ethical implications of data sharing in light of these governance frameworks are particularly welcome.
- Aging society and technological response
As society ages, there is a growing need for technological innovations that can help support the health and well-being of older adults. From assistive technologies to social robots, there are numerous technological solutions being developed to address the challenges of an aging population. However, the use of these technologies also raises ethical and legal issues, such as autonomy and privacy concerns. Contributions are encouraged to explore the legal and ethical implications of using emerging technologies in an aging society, as well as the need for regulation to ensure responsible use and protect individual rights.
Submissions from scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and experts from various disciplines and regions, as well as collaborative and interdisciplinary contributions, are highly encouraged.
The conference provides an excellent opportunity for participants to engage in scholarly exchange, networking, and collaboration, and to visit Taiwan, a vibrant and dynamic country that has been at the forefront of innovation in technology and law. As home to Hsinchu, the "Silicon Valley of Taiwan," and the core of the chip war, the city of Hsinchu is known as the semiconductor capital of the world.
We encourage you to submit your proposals and join us for what promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking conference.
If you are interested in contributing and/or have any questions, please contact: lawconf@nycu.edu.tw
More information can be found at https://lawconference.web.nycu.edu.tw/
Papers and panels submission procedure
- An abstract for papers and panels between 200-500 words must be submitted by September 1st, 2023.
- Accepted abstracts and the conference schedule will be notified in September 2023.
- Full papers should be submitted with no word limit by November 1st, 2023, along with presentation slides by November 15th, 2023.
- All submissions should be in English and sent through the designated submission portal at http://review.law.nycu.edu.tw/submission_content.php?SUB_ID=13, and will be subject to a blind peer-review process by a panel of experts.
- After the conference, authors may choose to submit their paper to NYCU Law Review for publication in a special issue or to contribute to a book.
- The conference organizers reserve the right to reject any submission that does not meet the conference standards or does not fit within the conference theme.
