Introductory description

The module invites students to explore the impact of regulation on technology governance. Informed by regulatory theory, the module will help students understand how the regulation shapes the development and production of technologies, by determining who develops them, who has access to them, how their use and disposal are controlled, and who is accountable for damage and other consequences caused by technology. It explores different regulations, including intellectual property, trade and investment, human rights, biodiversity and climate, as well as regulation of high-risk technologies. It also discusses how these regimes shape the state’s ability to regulate technology in the public interest, protect human rights, biodiversity, and environment. The module is also inspired by critical theory of technology and explores the controversies surrounding technology’s role in society, such as its welfare-improving and welfare-deteriorating effects, inequalities of access to essential technologies, and globally uneven environmental costs. Students will be offered the opportunity to conduct case-studies that focus on specific technologies – such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence, medical technology, information technology, and food and climate technologies, among others.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This is an indicative module outline to give a taste of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Regulatory theory, critical theory of technology, and regulation of science
2. Intellectual property and incentives for technology development
3. Dissemination, sharing, and transfer of technology under the global intellectual property system
4. Liberalising trade in technology goods and services
5. Protecting investments in technology
6. Host State policy space in international investment law
7. Human rights to science and technology, health and a clean environment
8. International law protecting biodiversity
9. Regulation of risk

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the role of regulation in shaping the development and use of technology
• Demonstrate knowledge of the aspects of intellectual property, trade, investment, human rights, biodiversity, and environmental regulation relevant to technology governance
• Critically analyse the regulatory policy space available to the state for mitigating the negative consequences of technology
• Provide an informed critical view on the regulatory issues of technology governance

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

Independent research for assessment.

Interdisciplinary

The module encompasses law, regulatory theory, and critical theory of technology.

International

International laws relating to intellectual property, trade and investment, human rights, biodiversity and climate, as well as regulation of high-risk technologies.

Subject specific skills

Conduct research and analysis of primary and secondary sources on intellectual property, trade and investment, human rights, biodiversity and climate, as well as regulation of high-risk technologies.

Transferable skills

• Critical thinking
• Academic speaking and writing
• Literature review and analysis