Some technological innovations have potentially far-reaching consequences for society and the institutions that govern societal interactions. With the increasing adoption of blockchain technology, a new innovation presents itself and poses questions that are of import to social scientists. This one-day conference will assemble leading experts in the field to discuss governance issues in the implementation of blockchain technology. Taking a broad view of “governance,” our discussions will center around the societal implications of blockchain adoption and their political framing.
Moderator:
Christian Martin
Christian Martin is the Max Weber Chair at New York University and the chair of comparative politics at the University of Kiel, Germany. His research interests include globalization, regional integration, and political backlashes against these processes.
Speakers:
Katherine Foster (World Bank Group)
Katherine Foster currently serves as the Blockchain Specialist for Carbon Markets and Finance Innovation with the World Bank and is also the Director of FinTech4Good and the Executive Director of Blockchain Labs for Open Collaboration (BLOC). Her interests include sustainable development, blockchain technology, and global infrastructure.
Dr. Cara LaPointe (Georgetown University, The Beeck Center)
Cara LaPointe is a Senior Fellow at the Beeck Center for Social Impact & Innovation at Georgetown University and also is the elected Director on the board of the White House Fellows Foundation and Association. She previously served in the United States Navy and is a former Chief of Staff to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Unmanned Systems. Her research interests center on the intersection between leadership, technology, policy, and ethics.
Dr. Sean Stein Smith (Lehman College)
Sean Stein Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Business and Economics Department of Lehman College. He is a contributor to Thrive Global and Inc.com and currently serves on the Fairleigh Dickinson University Alumni Association Board of Governors. His research interests include the relationship between technology, finance, and strategic planning.
Dr. Nikolas Guggenberger (University of Münster, Germany)
Nikolas Guggenberger is the RWTÜV Foundation Assistant Professor of IT Law at University of Münster School of Law and an Affiliate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. He also currently serves as an international reporter with the International League of Competition Law (LDIC). His research interests include the intersection between innovation, blockchain technology, and law.
Schedule:
09:00 – 09-15: Christian Martin, New York University: Welcome and introduction
09:15 – 10:15: Sean Stein Smith: Do we need regulation of blockchain technology? For whom and from what?
10:15 – 10:30: Break
10:30 – 11:30: Katherine Foster: Building the Digital Infrastructure for Sustainable Development: Blockchain Opportunities and Challenges in Linking Climate Markets
11:30 – 13:00: Lunch break
13:00 – 14:00: Nikolas Guggenberger: Regulatory issues in ICOs - a European perspective
14:00 – 14:15: Break
14:15 – 15:15: Cara LaPointe The Blockchain Ethical Design Framework
15:15 – 15:30: Break
15:30 – 16:30: Final roundtable: Blockchain technology, regulation and democratic politics
16:30 – 18:30: Reception
To RSVP please email ele247@nyu.edu