The Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet invites scholars and researchers working at the intersection of the open Internet, economic growth, and digital governance to express interest in speaking and presenting their research at the upcoming roundtable.
Expert Roundtable
The free and open Internet has long been a driving force behind global innovation and inclusive economic growth. Over decades, seamless cross-border flows of data, ideas, and digital services have transformed trade, productivity, and employment. The Internet's openness not only fuels GDP growth and higher incomes but also supports the rapid expansion of digitally delivered services, and the fastest-growing segment of international trade.
However, this economic potential is challenged by trends toward fragmentation and state-imposed restrictions. Measures such as Internet shutdowns, data localization mandates, and barriers to digital trade threaten the core principles of openness, interoperability, and security. These restrictions undermine the global digital economy and cost billions in lost growth, investment, and innovation. In this evolving landscape, the European Commission's Competitiveness Communication, particularly its call to unlock the full potential of the Single Market and remove digital barriers, provides a compelling framework. By emphasizing the importance of cross-border data flows, interoperability standards, and an open digital ecosystem, the EU reaffirms its commitment to a digital economy that is dynamic, secure, and globally competitive.
Yet, the economic debate around Internet openness remains fragmented across disciplines: economics, law, technology, and public policy, while comprehensive empirical evidence remains scarce. This conference aims to address these gaps by fostering an interdisciplinary dialogue that aligns with the EU's vision of a free, secure, and open Internet as a cornerstone of competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Goals
This expert roundtable will convene researchers and experts to:
- Map the benefits and economic impact of Internet openness on growth, competitiveness, and innovation, drawing on empirical evidence from diverse regions and sectors.
- Assess the effects of restrictive measures, including data localization, censorship, and shutdowns on digital trade, productivity, and inclusive development.
- Identify governance strategies and best practices that promote a globally open Internet while addressing legitimate policy concerns, such as data protection, security, and fair competition.
The central questions that this international conference will address include:
1. Policy and practice: Through what mechanisms does Internet openness translate into competitiveness, growth, and innovation? What new conceptual frameworks or metrics are needed to capture the relationship between Internet openness and economic outcomes? How do specific legal and technical measures, such as data localization requirements, censorship, or Internet shutdown, affect economic performance and innovation? How are different stakeholders (SMEs, large firms, governments, users) uniquely impacted by open versus closed digital environments?
2. Macroeconomic impact: What long-term impact does the open Internet have on macroeconomic growth and development? How do cross-border data flows, open digital markets, and Internet penetration trends correlate with outcomes like GDP growth, productivity, and job creation? Conversely, what are the measurable economic losses attributable to Internet restrictions and fragmentation (e.g. lost growth, reduced investment, or hampered digital trade)? Are there notable national, regional, or sectoral case studies?
3. Governance: How can national, regional, and global governance ensure a free and open Internet that supports long-term economic development? What role should the European Union play in championing an open Internet in its external relations and trade partnerships, especially amid a global rise in digital protectionism?
Format
The agenda will examine a wide range of topics at the intersection of Internet governance and economic development, including digital trade and cross-border data flows, the effects of Internet shutdowns and censorship on markets, the role of open standards and interoperability, and the impact of regulatory models on innovation ecosystems.
All speakers will be invited to submit short discussion papers (1000-1500) words that will be later published in a joint report by EUI. For example, see: Charting the digital and technological future of Europe : what priorities for the European Commission in 2024-2029?
Expressions of interest
The organisers invite researchers and experts interested in contributing to the roundtable to fill in the registration form, together with a tentative title and short abstract (150 words) of their potential contribution.
Invited speakers will have their participation in the event fully covered, including travel and accommodation.
The organisers invite researchers and experts interested in the following topics to indicate their interest in contributing to one of the sessions during the expert roundtable:
1. The Growth Dividend of an Open Internet: Evidence from Global Markets: Examining empirical evidence on how the open Internet contributes to global GDP, innovation, productivity, and global labour market prospects.
2. Connectivity Under Siege: Economic Fallout from Shutdowns, Censorship, and Insecurity: The session will look at the economic cost of the internet shutdowns and censorship and will discuss the role of the private sector in this process (e.g. Iran example).
3. Fragmented Data, Fragmented Economies: The Cost of Digital Barriers: Data localisation, sectoral impacts (e.g. on SMEs), and implications for cross-border data governance, etc.
4. Interoperability as Economic Strategy: Standards and Sovereignty: Consider how technical standards and digital interoperability shape global markets, supply chains, and economic inclusion. Unpack the role of the EU in setting global norms and implications for competitiveness.
5. Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Charting the Future of AI and Digital Services: Innovation policy and regulation on AI and other emerging technologies like blockchain, virtual worlds, etc. What implications will fragmented internet have on these technologies and growth?
6. Inclusion and Sustainability in the Digital Economy: How an open Internet promotes equitable access to digital markets and supports sustainability goals, for example, through green digital trade and inclusive digital entrepreneurship.
7. Who Governs Open Internet?: The role of multilateral processes, international organizations and ad-hoc coalitions in governing global internet.
Timeline
- 15 September: Deadline for submitting expressions of interest
- 22 September: Information to selected contributors
- 3 November 2025: Deadline for submitting draft discussion papers
- 13-14 November 2025: Expert roundtable in Florence
- 5 December 2025: Revised discussion papers submitted by the authors
- January 2026: Publication of the joined policy brief.
The call for papers has been closed.
To request additional information, please contact [email protected]
This event is part of the Global initiative on the future of the internet, a project funded by the European Union under the service contract no. NDICI/2023/447-807
At the EUI and the Robert Schuman Centre, we are dedicated to removing barriers and providing equal opportunities for everyone. Please indicate in the registration form your accessibility needs, if any. Alternatively, you can contact the logistics organiser of the event.