Artificial Intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming the global landscape, reshaping not only technological innovation but also institutional operations and social structures. This workshop seeks to critically interrogate the intricate and multidimensional impacts of AI across diverse institutional domains. Specifically, it aims to explore the intersections of technological advancements and societal structures through the lens of institutional theory, considering how AI both disrupts and reconstitutes organizational norms, practices, and frameworks.

As AI continues to evolve, it challenges traditional paradigms of organizational design, governance, and social interaction, prompting a reevaluation of institutional resilience and adaptability. Key areas of interest include but are not limited to the reconfiguration of institutional capabilities, the interplay between AI and geopolitical or regulatory challenges, the promotion or undermining of equity and inclusivity, and the transformation of workforce dynamics and organizational adaptability.

Call for Abstracts

We invite early career scholars working on theoretical and practical insights within the field of institutional theory related to the emergence of AI and the interaction between institutions and AI. Projects based in or relating to the Global South are of particular interest, as well as work related to or concerning the semiconductor, chip, or GPU industry. We welcome abstracts addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

1. Geopolitical Dynamics and Technological Sovereignty: Intersections of Technological Innovation, International Relations, and Critical Infrastructure. What are the implications of emerging geopolitical tensions and shifts for technological sovereignty, data governance, and the strategic importance of AI?

2. Institutional Transformation and Resilience: Structural and operational impacts of AI. How AI reshapes organizational structures, workforce dynamics, adaptability, and resilience in sectors like finance, healthcare, education, administration, and beyond.

3. Governance, Ethics and Trust in AI: Emerging public and private governance frameworks and mechanisms for accountability, transparency and ethical alignment of AI systems, the interplay between public, private and hybrid regulation, societal perception and ethical frameworks. 

4. Equity, Inclusion, and Social Impact: Social dimensions of AI, how machine learning algorithms challenge or advance principles of equity, diversity and inclusivity, strategies for ensuring fair, representative, and accessible technological innovation.

Ph.D. scholars in economics, law, sociology, anthropology, development studies, and other related disciplines are encouraged to apply. You should either be enrolled in a doctoral research programme, or have graduated no more than three years before 31/12/2024. Successful applicants will be invited to present their research to a supportive audience of peers and senior scholars and receive constructive conceptual and methodological critique. 

Invitation to submit to a Special Issue of NYCU Law Review

Participants in the Online workshop will be invited to submit their final papers for fast-track publication in a Special Volume of the NYCU Law Review (subject to peer-review). Selected participants will have the opportunity to present in person at Taiwan’s annual Conference on Law and Technology, scheduled for November 2025. Priority will be given to those not selected for previous WINIR YS conferences.

Submissions (please follow these instructions closely): 

1. Submissions should be sent using this form

2. Abstract: 500 words, 3 to 5 keywords (save the file as: LastName_FirstName_Title)

3. Short bio: indicate discipline and institution (save it as LastName_FirstName_Bio)

4. Deadline for applying: December 31, 2024.

5. Notification of acceptance: January 10, 2025.

6. Accepted applicants will present virtually on the WINIR Zoom platform on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

7. Questions: to youngscholars@winir.org 

About WINIR Young Scholars

WINIR Young Scholars aims to identify and promote the next generation of institutional scholars from diverse geographies, sociocultural contexts, and disciplines. Its major activities will be directed towards creating an inclusive and supportive space for young scholars to receive guidance and mentorship in their journey toward establishing themselves as knowledge creators and navigating the academic job market.

WINIR Young Scholars is a collaboration between WINIR, The Law as Science Project, and the Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) of the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET).

Convenors  

Simon Sun (National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Law) | Christina Mosalagae (University of Turin) | Nikhilesh Sinha (Hult International Business School) | Vanessa Villanueva (European University Institute)