Leiden University: ERC StG Safe&Sound Collaborates with UNCTAD on Robotics, AI, and Consumer Protection in Developing Countries
Eduard Fosch-Villaronga, PI of the ERC StG Safe and Sound hosted at Leiden University’s eLaw Center for Law and Digital Technologies, recently met with Arnau Izaguerri of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to explore avenues for collaboration. The focus of the discussion was to leverage synergies in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and consumer protection, particularly within the context of developing nations.
Consumer experiences and concerns regarding robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in developing countries are multifaceted, encompassing incidents, harms, and overall well-being. As these technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, consumers grapple with understanding their implications and navigating potential risks. Central to this discourse is the need for robust consumer protection measures to safeguard against harm and ensure fairness
To combat this problem, Eduard Fosch-Villaronga from the ERC StG Safe and Sound project hosted at the eLaw Center for Law and Digital Technology and Leiden University met with Arnau Izaguerri of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to explore avenues for collaboration. The focus of the discussion was to leverage synergies in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and consumer protection, particularly within the context of developing nations.
Eduard and Arnau exchanged insights and ideas on addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies such as robotics and AI in developing countries. In the future, they will explore possibilities to combine their expertise to work towards frameworks and policies that promote the responsible and ethical deployment of robotics and AI while safeguarding consumer rights in developing countries.
UNCTAD
UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. It’s mandate is to promote the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. It focuses on trade, investment, finance, and technology issues, particularly on the needs of developing countries and the global South. UNCTAD provides research, analysis, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to member states to help them navigate the complexities of international trade and development.
ERC StG Safe & Sound
The ERC StG SAFE & SOUND works on Science for Robot Policy and has the ambition to connect the policy cycle with data generated in robot testing zones to support evidence-based policymaking for robot technologies. ERCs are the most prestigious and competitive individual fellowships in Europe and provide 1.5m euros enabling talented early-career scholars to start their pioneer projects, lead a research team, and implement their best ideas at the frontiers of their discipline.