The green and digital twin transition agenda was launched by the European Union in 2019. The ultimate goal is to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050, by which the EU strives to become the first climate-neutral continent. Successfully implementing the agenda requires intellectual creativity as well as the sharing of ideas and possible solutions to the challenge. In fact, vivid scientific and professional debates are being conducted about the issue EU-wide, while the EU and its member states are also taking numerous steps towards reaching the defined objectives.

The conference addresses the main topic along three main tracks: EkonBiz - Economic and business aspects of the green and digital transition, LegPOL - Legal aspects of the green and digital transition, as well as Humanities - Societal and human aspects of the green and digital transition.

• LegPOL - Legal and political science aspects of the green and digital transition

The conference's Legal and Political Sciences Track (LegPOL) will examine the critical role of law and politics in advancing the European Union's green and digital twin transition agenda. The track invites legal scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss how regulatory frameworks can address challenges posed by emerging digital technologies such as AI, blockchain, and digital twins in environmental governance. Key topics include essential state functions, democracy and data protection in sustainability applications, intellectual property challenges in green innovation, compliance mechanisms for environmental and digital regulations, and political implications of the green and digital transitions. LegPOL explores diverse perspectives, including cybercrimes targeting digital infrastructure, corporate negligence, and environmental offences facilitated by digital technologies. The political, ethical, and social implications of digital transformation, such as inclusivity and equity, will also be addressed. Presentations on the overlaps of intellectual property law, disruptive technologies and the circular economy will be organised within the WIPS (Workshop on Intellectual Property Law in Szeged) Faculty of Law and Political Sciences series. LegPOL encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and offers innovative solutions to these legal and political challenges. It will feature panel discussions, paper presentations, and networking opportunities, emphasising how legal systems and political processes can support the EU's dual transition agenda.

Head of LegPOL track: Prof. Krisztina Karsai

• The Faculty of Law and Political Sciences' WIPS (Workshop on Intellectual Property Law in Szeged) series will feature presentations on the intersections of disruptive technologies, intellectual property law, and the circular economy.

Head of LegPOL WIPS9 track: Prof. Dr. Péter Mezei

The abstract submission deadline is 20 March 2025!

Conference Details

Introduction of Keynote Speaker

We are delighted to announce that this year’s conference will feature a distinguished keynote address by Taina Pihlajarinne.

Taina Pihlajarinne (LLD) is a professor at the Helsinki University Faculty of Law. Her research interests are focused on the relationship between sustainability and private law, especially intellectual property rights, as well as on the impacts of digitalization and development of technology on intellectual property rights. She has published numerous books and articles and led several research projects on these themes.

At our conference, Prof. Taina Pihlajarinne will deliver a keynote entitled "The regulation of green and digital transition - challenges and opportunities", offering a forward-looking perspective on the future of digital transformation, sustainable development challenges, legal frameworks for emerging technologies. This keynote promises to inspire, challenge, and ignite conversations among all attendees.

We look forward to welcoming Taina Pihlajarinne and invite all participants to join this exceptional session.