Exploring the Intersection: International Trade Law and Technology Transfer

Hello and welcome to my research portfolio! As a PhD Researcher at the University of Manchester, my work delves into a fascinating and increasingly critical area: the dynamic interplay between International Trade Law and Technology Transfer. In an interconnected world driven by rapid technological advancement, understanding how legal frameworks govern the flow of innovation across borders is not just an academic exercise – it's fundamental to global development, economic growth, and even international relations.

Why Does This Matter? The Global Landscape of Innovation

Think about the latest smartphone in your hand, the renewable energy solutions powering our cities, or the advancements in medicine that save lives. All these innovations are products of intricate global supply chains and collaborative efforts, often relying on the cross-border movement of technology and knowledge.

But this transfer isn't simply a free-for-all. It's heavily influenced by a complex web of international trade agreements, intellectual property regimes, investment treaties, and national regulations. My research explores the nuances of these legal instruments, examining how they facilitate – or sometimes hinder – the efficient and equitable diffusion of critical technologies worldwide.

Unpacking the Core Concepts: Trade Law Meets Tech Flow

At its heart, international trade law aims to create a predictable and fair environment for the exchange of goods and services between countries. Simultaneously, technology transfer encompasses the processes by which scientific knowledge, technical know-how, and proprietary designs are shared or acquired across different entities, often from developed to developing nations.

My work specifically investigates:

• How do WTO agreements and regional trade blocs impact the legal framework for technology transfer? Are existing rules sufficiently agile to address emerging technologies like AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing?
• How can international legal frameworks promote sustainable technology transfer for addressing global challenges? This includes critical areas such as climate change mitigation, public health, and food security.
• What are the implications for developing countries seeking to industrialise and integrate into the global innovation landscape?

A Call for Balanced Approaches in Global Tech Governance

The tension between protecting innovators and promoting widespread access to technology is a central theme in my research. My aim is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how international trade law can be shaped to foster a more inclusive and beneficial global technology ecosystem. This involves advocating for balanced approaches that stimulate innovation while ensuring that its benefits are shared more broadly, particularly for countries that can gain the most from technological advancement.

Join the Conversation!

I invite you to explore my portfolio to learn more about my ongoing research, publications, and insights into this vital field. I believe that by engaging with these complex legal and technological questions, we can collectively work towards a future where innovation serves humanity's collective good.