This optional course will provide you with an overview of legal issues concerning emerging technologies, especially in the field of blockchain technology. Blockchain technology is not only the underlying principle of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It also offers new possibilities for (renewable) energy trading, cap-and-trade contracts or emission reporting.

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    By Davidstankiewicz (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

We will address issues such as:

  • Pros and cons of blockchain technology.
  • Which other applications than cryptocurrencies might emerge out of blockchain technology?
  • Would you use blockchain processes in your daily (business) life?
  • What regulatory measures should or could be taken?
  • Which role do states have in controlling and governing emerging technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies?

Course outline:

Introduction (22.03.2017)

Course structure, brief introduction into blockchain.

Session I – Law, Technology & Society

„Hands-on activity“, lecture and discussion.

Session II – Regulatory measures

Lecture, discussion and writing a recommendation.

Session III – Policy-makers

Teamwork and discussion

The course starts on Wednesday, 22.03.2017, MENH HS II (MENH-01/43), 4pm – 4.30pm. Further course dates will be set during the introduction. The course outline and further information can be found here (pdf).

Files
Handout_Governance_of_Emerging_Technologies.pdf (179 KB )
17.03.2017