Research project

Investigator:

Nikolaos Theodorakis

Abstract:

The current project will look into the liberalization of trade in technology-related services in the EU and the US through the angle of regulatory challenges and data openness. In particular, the research will examine how the mechanisms of trade liberalization work in the two continents, and what are the ensuing steps towards removing barriers in trade. The project will use the OECD STRI index as the primary tool of quantitative analysis in order to explore the current policy formations and suggest further reforms. The specific areas of focus in technology-related services in this project are: (i) the computer industry, (ii) the telecom industry, (iii) television and broadcasting, and (iv) motion picture. The project will further examine the impact of open data in trade liberalization in light of the recent US DATA Act and the forthcoming relevant EU legislation in the matter. It will shed light on the benefits of open data and how it can be effectively used to promote trade liberalization, notwithstanding its potential limitations due to data protection issues. Consequent developments of the ongoing TTIP negotiations will be discussed. It is, overall, a multidisciplinary comparative project that draws across different fields of law relevant to technology law.