Technological fields such as the life sciences, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, the chemicals industry, material sciences or energy systems are undergoing rapid, and often dramatic, changes, frequently raising new regulatory challenges. At the same time, the ways in which international institutions respond to those challenges show a great deal of variation. The goal of this project is to investigate how, why and under which conditions international institutions adapt to technological change. First, we develop a comprehensive explanatory framework that draws on a variety of theoretical approaches. Second, we apply this framework both through a series of case studies (biotechnology, climate engineering, mineral extraction in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction and HFC gases) as well as through text mining techniques. Finally, we develop a series of recommendations and best practices for institutional design that facilitate the rapid and effective adaptation to technological change.
Project funding:
Projects funded by the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), Projects carried out by researchers’ teams
Project results:
This project analyzed the responses of international institutions to novel technological challenges in the global politics of sustainable development. Among other results, the project highlights the pervasive failure of international institutions to contribute to the capture of technological benefits and to the avoidance of technological risks
Period of project implementation: 2019-06-17 - 2022-06-30
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
