FEB
13
2026
Technological Innovation: Regulatory Advances in the EU?
Description
The European Union (EU) has developed a multifaceted approach to regulating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. The EU employs diverse regulatory models — including ex ante, ex post, post error approaches; product-, process-, or rights-based regulation; and state- or market-driven product approval — involving EU institutions, nation states, agencies, standardisation bodies, and private entities.
This talk critically examines how these risk management frameworks — particularly under the EU AI Act — influence innovation dynamics and access to markets. The Act integrates established regulatory tools such as command-and-control mechanisms, conformity assessments, and fundamental rights impact assessments, enabling both qualitative and quantitative risk analysis. However, the embedded risk management system may disproportionately favor Big Tech over small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, due to significant resource asymmetries in compliance costs, participation in standard-setting, and access to legal and technical expertise.
To address this imbalance, the talk proposes that state-provided digital infrastructure, knowledge-sharing platforms, talent pooling initiatives, and inclusive governance models could foster a more level playing field. These insights are particularly relevant for Southeast Asia, where emerging AI ecosystems face similar challenges.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Prof. Iris Eisenberger is Professor of Innovation and Public Law at the Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law at the Faculty of Law (University of Vienna). Her work focuses on innovation and technology law, the protection of fundamental and human rights and research at the intersection of law, innovation and society.
She studied law at the University of Graz, Austria and the Universidad de Valladolid, Spain, and political theory at the London School of Economics and Political Science, England before obtaining her venia docendi in the field of constitutional law, administrative law and the related fields of European Union law at the Faculty of Law at the University of Vienna, Austria.
She worked for the Austrian Parliament and the European Parliament as well as for the Constitutional Service of the Austrian Federal Chancellery. She held visiting positions at numerous renowned universities including the European University Institute in Florence (Italy), the University of Freiburg (Germany), Harvard University (U.S.), the Mekelle University (Ethiopia), the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law (Bhutan), the Macau University (China), the Technical University Munich (Germany) and the Stanford University (U.S.).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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Date and Time
Friday, 13th February 2026 4:00PM GMT+08:00
to
Friday, 13th February 2026 5:15PM GMT+08:00
Organisation
Faculty of Law
Location
TBC, NUS Kent Ridge Campus