The Digital Shift: Redefining Global Value Chains in a Connected World

On 20-21 April 2026, the Hong Kong Commercial and Maritime Law Centre of City University of Hong Kong, the Erasmus Center of Law and Digitalization, and Renmin University of China Law School co-organized the conference entitled "The Digital Shift: Redefining Global Value Chains in a Connected World". This cross-regional collaboration integrates the strengths of Hong Kong SAR, Europe, and Chinese Mainland in the field of digital rule of law, demonstrating the collective power to address the challenges of digitalization in global value chains.

On the first day of the conference, Dean and Chair Professor of Basic Law of CityUHK School of Law, Prof. Lin Feng delivered welcome remarks. Following him, HKCML Director Prof. Alex Loke (CityUHK), Prof. Koen Swinnen (EUR), and Associate Dean Prof. Ding Xiaodong (RUC Law School) each gave opening remarks. They restated the theme of the conference and expressed their expectations for insightful discussions and the smooth running of the event.

Lasting for one and a half days, the conference was divided into six panels. Panel Session I focused on the theme of "AI, Platform and GVCs". Prof. Gianclaudio Malgieri highlighted digital dependency and vulnerability in AI-driven platforms. Prof. Cui Guobin introduced the legality of user agreement clauses restricting machine access. Prof. He Tianxiang discussed copyrighted "products", digital shift and GVC.

Panel Session II turned to the theme of "Emerging Challenges in GVCs". Prof. Dai Xin examined the normative expectations on AI, distinguishing between AI as "mirrors" that replicate human performance and AI as "models" that exceed human standards. Prof. Cristiana Santos discussed the regulation and enforcement of dark patterns in the EU from the GDPR and DSA perspectives. Prof. Marija Bartl addressed private law, predistribution, and AI in global value chains before the algorithm.

Panel Session III addressed the theme of "Data Protection, Data Governance and GVCs". Prof. Darren McCauley discussed just digital circularities for data centres in the EU. Prof. Koen Swinnen examined the commodification of data and its potential use as collateral. Prof. Li Wenlong and Ms. Jiakun Luo turned to value creation, capture, and distribution in AI-powered game development. Prof. Sun Jingzhou highlighted governance challenges of cross-border data flows in embodied intelligence systems.

Panel Session IV focused on the theme of "Accountability and GVCs". Prof. Anna Beckers examined global value chain laws as digital laws and the industrial/digital interface. Prof. Paula Giliker discussed whether parent companies should be held vicariously liable for the torts of their overseas subsidiaries. Prof. Ding Xiaodong addressed notice-takedown as a reporting-governance mechanism for reimagining platform liability. Prof. Li Shu turned to product safety, product liability and GVCs. Prof. Chen Yang highlighted the registration of AI secrets.

The morning sessions on the second day further broadened the conference's exploration of global perspectives and competition-related issues.

Panel Session V, themed "Global Perspectives and GVCs", opened with Prof. Martin Ebers, who emphasised the duties and obligations of AI providers. Prof. Lee Jyh-An provided an insightful discussion of China's AI regulatory framework, main characteristics, and vision. Prof. Alvin Hoi-Chun Hung emphasised the growing influence of algorithmic systems in structuring economic coordination and decision-making. Dr Zheng Kena identified market power in the AI supply chain and the potential competition challenges raised by big tech firms.

Panel Session VI, themed "Innovation, Competition and GVCs". Prof. Sun Haochen introduced the two privacy revolutions, pointing out the need to assess both harm and social utility in data governance. Prof. Sandra Marco Colino compared the ideal regulatory vision with the dilemmas of market reality, underscoring the limits of competition law. Prof. Alberto Quintavalla turned to the environmental impact of data centres and sustainability challenges. Prof. Li Zishuo introduced an algorithm-driven competition model and two regulatory approaches. He also emphasised the balance between consumer welfare and a fairer distribution of value.

The closing remarks were delivered by Prof. Li Shu and Prof. He Tianxiang. They expressed their sincere gratitude to the scholars who delivered wonderful speeches. The event came to a successful close in a warm and collegial atmosphere.

Against the backdrop of rapid technology development, this event offered an in-depth exploration of global technology governance issues. Scholars from different jurisdictions contributed diverse perspectives and profound insights to the conference. The event also attracted a wide range of participants, including academics, students, and practitioners, further extending its impact. As an important platform for international academic dialogue, City University of Hong Kong will continue to host such cross-jurisdictional exchanges and promote deeper conversations amid the ongoing global wave of technological transformation.