Global Power and Technology

Description

Are you puzzled by the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape? Curious about the growing influence of major tech companies and the "soft" (and not-so-soft) powers that technologies and their creators have on regulation? 

The course "Global Power and Technology" offers a depp dive into how some most innovative technologies influence the world around us and how they, in turn, are influenced by global power dynamics.

In recent years, competition for leadership in technology development has intensified. Numerous legal and policy initiatives in the EU, the US, and China, together with the vever-changing geopolitical landscape, highlight that the race for technological dominance involves not just companies but also states. Central to this competition are technical standards—written rules that enable technologies to function, drive innovation, and facilitate technological progress. Well-known examples include standards for Wi-Fi and 5G, but also standards for trustworthiness of AI systems that are currently being developed in the EU and internationally. Understanding the legal, economic, and policy aspects of technology standardization is increasingly vital for future legal and policy professionals seeking to grasp the global dynamics of technological power.

• This course introduces students to the legal and policy dimensions of rule-making in the tech sector, focusing on key areas such as internal market regulation, intellectual property law,  and the geopolitical challenges surrounding technological development.

• While the primary focus of this summer school is on the EU, the course will also examine other key jurisdictions, including the US and China. 

The programme includes five days packed with interactive lectures from renowned experts in the field, practical assignments, and research visits that will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the global tech landscape.

Curious about our students' experience? Read their testimonies:

"The Utrecht 2024 Summer School on "Global power and Technology" had been academically enlightening and socially very enriching for me. In concrete terms, it did allow me to extend and deepen my understanding of the various challenges that stand in the way of standardization within the EU. The warm and welcoming atmosphere that reigned between my roommates and I and the all team 24 gave me the opportunity to learn more about cultural aspects of various EU countries."  Hamidou Maghide Kaboré, PhD student in law, Université d'Artois, Class of 2024 

"What really made me expand my understanding on the area of patents was an article on entrepreneurs in China. It was interesting to discover how impactful intellectual property law really is on technological advancement because a lack of protections for their inventions has led to financial destruction of many companies as well as uncertainty with competition." Rida, bachelor student in law, Cambridge University, Class of 2024 

The course is endorsed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. 

Day to Day Documents

2025_global power and technology_programme summer school draft march25.pdf

Lecturers

Guest lecturers from academia, European institutions and policy practice 

 

Target audience

While course is designed for advanced master’s and PhD students with a foundational understanding of European law, it can also be followed by bachelor's students and professionals from diverse fields who have experience working with technologies—particularly connectivity technologies. 

For any questions or to clarify eligibility, please contact the course director at o.s.kanevskaia@uu.nl

Aim of the course

The course aims to equip students with in-depth knowledge of technology regulation and technical standardization, with a focus on the legal and policy aspects underpinning these industry rules. It is designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of competition law, EU internal market law, and emerging EU legislation.

This course will also benefit professionals working in the technology sector—particularly in connectivity and IoT—who wish to gain insights into the diverse legal frameworks governing the technologies used in these industries.

Study load

One intensive week (Monday to Friday) of interactive lectures, research visits and presentations.

Tags

• law and technology
• digitalisation
• competition law
• standardization
• intellectual property
• patents
• copyright