The Sustainability of AI: Governance, Liability and Contract
A sustainable AI governance shall ensure that AI tools and systems are ethical and safe. It shall establish the frameworks, rules and standards that direct AI research, development and application to ensure respect for human rights, safety and fairness. A harmonised legal framework will significantly promote the introduction and use of a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable AI in the interest of the present and future generations. This lecture by Professor Alberto De Franceschi from the University of Ferrara will consider these and further challenges and developments both at the EU and Global level.
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About the lecture
The AI Act
Isolated reforms at the national or regional level increasingly risk undermining the response to such challenges. The EU is currently tackling such issues throughout a package of complementary approaches, and in particular: The AI Act, laying down horizontal rules for AI systems; The proposal for the revision of the product liability Directive; The proposal for a Directive on adapting non contractual civil liability rules to artificial intelligence. In this area, the Brussels effect is heavily discussed. In particular, the AI Act prohibits only a few AI applications and aims to prevent damages ex ante. The above-mentioned Directives Proposals enable synergies with other instruments which are part of the EU Data Strategy, such as e.g. the EU Digital Services Act and the Proposal for a regulation on cybersecurity of digital products to ensure better protection for businesses and consumers. The first part of the lecture focuses on the most significant innovations and challenges in the AI sector and assesses the EU legislator’s approach and potential for development.
Global challenges
At the same time, AI is a tool suitable to enhance trade through its potential to reduce transaction costs, increase efficiencies and produce economic benefits in connection with various trade-related activities. Contracts are indeed increasingly negotiated and concluded online and with the help of artificial intelligence. Like in other trade-related activities, automation in commercial contracting is increasingly deploying techniques associated with AI, such as “machine learning” or “rules-based” approaches. Against the background of the UNCITRAL “Model Law on Automated Contracting”, adopted in July 2024, and of the ELI’s work on algorithmic consumer contracts, the lecture will analyse salient issues arising from the use of AI in contracting, including how legal systems need to adapt to the current and upcoming global challenges.
Ambassador's Chair
This year the Ambassador's Chair Kulak 2024 is granted to Professor Alberto De Franceschi from the University of Ferrara. The research of Prof. De Franceschi aligns seamlessly with the two cross-cutting research axes at Kulak: AI and sustainability. The lecture series of this Chair also combines both research areas in an innovative way.
Program
- 19:00 Opening of the ceremony
- Welcome by Prof. Piet Desmet, vice rector KU Leuven Kulak
- Speeches by the promotors
- Prof. Evelyne Terryn
- Prof. Dorothy Gruyaert
- Prof. Bert Keirsbilck
- 19:30 'The Sustainability of AI: Governance, Liability and Contract', lecture by Prof. Dr. Alberto De Franceschi
- Afterwards you are invited to the reception in hall B
Lesgever/spreker
Alberto De Franceschi is Full Professor of Private Law, Digital Law and Environmental Sustainability, and International Trade Law at the University of Ferrara. His research focuses primarily on Italian and European Law concerning Obligations and Contracts, with particular emphasis on the regulation of the digital economy and environmental sustainability.
