Bern, Switzerland

Governance challenges in the digital economy

when 21 August 2017 - 25 August 2017
language English
duration 1 week
credits 3 EC
fee CHF 1800

The course explores the changes that the Internet is triggering in the global economy and resulting governance challenges. It depicts the evolution and key institutions of Internet Governance, and the complex and sometimes completely novel governance processes that evolve in the interaction between international organisations, states and non-state actors. Particular emphasis in the course will be placed on digital trade which, as the product of the fourth industrial revolution, is bringing about great promises about seamless trade, innovation and proliferation of digitally enabled services. The digital age also raises a number of delicate governance challenges. These relate, on the one hand, on the need to update and ‘future-proof’ existing regulatory frameworks at the national and international levels, as well, on the other hand, to ensure a balance between free data flows and the protection of vital public interests in areas such as privacy and national security. The course will give participants the expertise to address such questions in the context of the WTO and preferential trade frameworks.

Course leader

Mira Burri, University of Lucerne; William Drake, University of Zurich and Lee Tuthill, World Trade Organization, Geneva

Target group

We accept individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree in law, economics or political science, or in an unrelated field supplemented by relevant working experience. Participants are expected to have a strong command of English and should be ready to read a large amount of material in English both prior to and during the Summer Academy.

Course aim

The WTI Summer Academy covers cutting-edge issues in investment and trade law and policy. It is designed for private and public sector and civil society professionals as well as higher-education students. In lectures, discussions and case studies, renowned experts will teach you how to blend the policy aspects of trade and investment with thorough legal interpretation and economic analysis. Becoming a part of the WTI community, you will establish valuable contacts with fellow-minded professionals and lecturers.

Credits info

3 EC
To obtain 3 ECTS the participants have to pass the final exam. Otherwise they’ll receive a “Certificate of Attendance”.
Summer Academy courses can be attended in a flexible, 'à la carte' manner. Modules can also lead to a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) or a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Law and Economics. A DAS can be awarded after obtaining 30 ECTS (around 8 weeks of course work plus a scientific research paper) and a CAS after obtaining 12 ECTS (around 3 weeks of course work plus a scientific research paper).

Fee info

CHF 1800: Tuition for one week is 1,800 Swiss francs. Participants who attend for three weeks and complete a scientific paper to obtain a Certicate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Law and Economics will receive a discounted rate of 5,000 Swiss francs. Those who complete the full eight weeks plus a scientific research paper to obtain a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law and Economics will receive a further discount and pay 12,000 Swiss francs.

Payment must be made in Swiss francs. Due to the limited number of places, payment is due upon acceptance to the programme. Please note that the above fees do not cover other costs such as meals, housing or local transportation. Special rates apply to students registered at the University of Bern. A 50% tuition waiver is applicable to participants affiliated with the UNCTAD Virtual Institute (university staff and students and think tank members, with proof of institutional affiliation and/or registration). For detailed information, please visit the UNCTAD VI website.