WINIR Young Scholars Workshop on AI & Institutions

We invite early career scholars working on theoretical and practical insights within the field of institutional theory related to the emergence of AI and the interaction between institutions and AI. Projects based in or relating to the Global South are of particular interest, as well as work related to or concerning the semiconductor, chip, or GPU industry.

We welcome abstracts addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

1. Geopolitical Dynamics and Technological Sovereignty: Intersections of Technological Innovation, International Relations, and Critical Infrastructure. What are the implications of emerging geopolitical tensions and shifts for technological sovereignty, data governance, and the strategic importance of AI?
2. Institutional Transformation and Resilience: Structural and operational impacts of AI. How AI reshapes organizational structures, workforce dynamics, adaptability, and resilience in sectors like finance, healthcare, education, administration, and beyond.
3. Governance, Ethics, and Social Impact in AI: Emerging governance frameworks and mechanisms are shaping the accountability, transparency, and ethical alignment of AI systems. These include public, private, and hybrid regulatory approaches, as well as societal perceptions and ethical considerations. Additionally, the social dimensions of AI are highlighted, focusing on how machine learning can challenge or advance principles of fairness, representation, and accessibility in technological innovation.

Eligibility

Ph.D. scholars in economics, law, sociology, anthropology, development studies, and other related disciplines are encouraged to apply. You should either be enrolled in a doctoral research programme, or have graduated no more than three years before 31/12/2024. Successful applicants will be invited to present their research to a supportive audience of peers and senior scholars and receive constructive conceptual and methodological critique.

Invitation to submit to a Special Issue of NYCU Law Review

Participants in the Online workshop will be invited to submit their final papers for fast-track publication in a Special Volume of the NYCU Law Review (subject to peer-review). Selected participants will have the opportunity to present in person at Taiwan’s annual Conference on Law and Technology, scheduled for November 2025. Priority will be given to first time attendees at the WINIR YS conferences.

About WINIR Young Scholars 

WINIR Young Scholars (WYS) aims to identify and promote the next generation of institutional scholars from diverse geographies, sociocultural contexts and disciplines. Its major activities are directed towards creating an inclusive and supportive space for young scholars to receive guidance and mentorship in their journey toward establishing themselves as knowledge creators and navigating the academic job market.

WYS is a collaboration between the World Interdisciplinary Network for Institutional Research (WINIR), the Law as Science Project, and the Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) of the Institute for New Economic Thinking.