Prof. Dr. Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider

Law plays a key role in the emergence of innovation that should not be underestimated. It can both foster and hinder innovation. While the effects of innovation processes cannot be fully planned, managed, or controlled, there are ways to channel innovation processes, both in terms of their emergence and development and with regard to their potential consequences. As a reflection of society, law has the task of establishing the framework for socially desirable innovation—that is, on the one hand, creating an environment that fosters innovation, while on the other hand setting clear boundaries for socially undesirable innovation. As part of this fellowship, the research will examine how (digital) law can be designed and applied in a way that promotes innovation while simultaneously ensuring accountability for innovation and thereby aligning with our society’s core values. Particular attention will be paid to the potential role of agile legislative processes and tools for the responsible promotion of innovation.