The IE Lawtomation Days conference celebrated the launch of its new Center of Excellence for Law and Automation

Co-financed by the European Commission and under the Erasmus+ programme, the center, which focuses on three research themes including E-Justice, the Automated State and Algorithmic Bosses, will be dedicated to the impact of automation and law.

The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Law and Automation was launched on September 29 and 30, where its director, Francisco de Elizalde, celebrated the occasion and chaired a lively discussion on technology, automation and how it correlates with EU law.

Salvador Estevan Martínez, Director-General for Digitalization and AI for the Spanish Government, joined in with the celebrations by saying:“I encourage all our initiatives to have this personal view and approach. Technology can break down barriers instead of being the other way around, so we must set the proper rules so the initiatives become sustainable and equitable.” Sr. Martinez highlighted a goal he wanted for Spain: to become a global hub for talent attraction, so the country excels at generating startups.

At a fireside chat on day two of the launch, there was a lively debate on algorithms and the workplace. Jeremias Adams-Prassl from Oxford University said, “Human agency is important when we think of algorithms. When that element is lacking, things can go very badly. And if there are completely automated systems and things go bad, that raises legal issues about so many things.” These legal issues are the crux of what the center will explore, an exploration that will revolutionize thinking on the effects of technology on law and labor.

The two-day event also featured discussion sessions on AI and Algorithmic Management in the Workplace, Legal Tech and E-Justice and Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law. Industry experts from the Spanish Government, leading sector organizations and European universities were invited to speak at the launch and hold discussions on these highly relevant topics.

The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Law and Automation will promote research into and the teaching of technology—specifically artificial intelligence and algorithms—and how it relates to law and the EU’s constitutional values, human rights and legal practices in the workplace.