About Centre for Development of Intellectual Property and Research (CDIPR)

The Centre for Development of Intellectual Property and Research (CDIPR) is a premier institution established as India’s First Non-Governmental Research Organisation dedicated to Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). Operating under the Naovina Development of Intellectual Property and Research Foundation as a registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), CDIPR is dedicated to promoting and protecting Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) within India, thereby fostering a conducive environment for innovation and creativity.

In today’s global landscape, where intellectual property serves as a cornerstone for economic growth, technological advancement and cultural development, CDIPR plays a pivotal role in driving forward-thinking policies, research and education. CDIPR is a community, Connecting 2200+ Members & 12,300+ Global Academicians on Intellectual Property Rights.

About the Conclave

The 2nd South Asian Technology Law Conclave, 2026 is a flagship international academic–policy forum under the 3rd South Asian Global Intellectual Property Summit, 2026, organised by the Centre for Development of Intellectual Property and Research (CDIPR), Naovina Development of Intellectual Property and Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Meta Blueprint and Cambridge – Teachers of Tomorrow. Powered by the Community for Academic Research and Development Foundation.

Conceived as a high-impact platform for interdisciplinary engagement, the Conclave seeks to examine the evolving intersections of technology, law, governance, and society across South Asia and the Global South. At a time when digital transformation is rapidly reshaping economies, governance structures, and social interactions, South Asian jurisdictions are confronted with complex challenges including data governance, AI regulation, cybersecurity risks, platform accountability, digital inequality, and emerging technology disruptions.

The Conclave aims to foster critical dialogue on how legal systems can effectively respond to these transformations while ensuring innovation, human rights, and inclusive development. Bringing together legal scholars, policymakers, technologists, industry leaders, international organisations, and emerging researchers from across the globe, the Conclave offers a truly international platform to bridge legal theory, technological advancement, and policy design.

It situates South Asian experiences within broader global debates on digital governance, technological ethics, and regulatory futures, while emphasising context-sensitive and regionally grounded approaches.

Conclave Objectives

To critically analyse the evolving role of law in regulating emerging technologies
To promote comparative and interdisciplinary dialogue on technology governance in South Asia
To examine intersections between law, technology, society, and public policy
To explore regulatory frameworks addressing digital rights, innovation, and accountability
To provide a platform for scholars, practitioners, and young researchers in technology law

Conclave Date & Format

Dates: 30th April 2026
Format: Virtual Mode

Key Themes and Sub-Themes

Participants are invited to submit papers engaging with the following thematic tracks:

1. Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Legal Accountability

Regulation of AI systems and algorithmic governance
Bias, fairness, and transparency in automated decision-making
Liability frameworks for AI-driven actions
Ethical AI and human-centric technology governance
AI in public administration and legal implications

2. Blockchain, FinTech and Digital Economies

Regulation of crypto-assets and decentralised finance (DeFi)
Legal status of smart contracts
Financial inclusion and blockchain innovation
Cross-border regulatory challenges in digital finance
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and law

3. Data Protection, Privacy and Digital Rights

Comparative data protection regimes in South Asia
Cross-border data transfers and localisation policies
Privacy rights in digital ecosystems
Surveillance, state power, and civil liberties
Data governance and accountability mechanisms

4. Cybersecurity, Cyber Warfare and International Law

Legal frameworks for cybersecurity governance
State responsibility and cyber-attacks
Cyber warfare and international humanitarian law
Critical infrastructure protection
Regional cooperation in cybersecurity

5. Metaverse, Web3 and Virtual Jurisprudence

Legal recognition of virtual assets and property rights
Jurisdictional challenges in virtual environments
Taxation and regulation of digital assets
Consumer protection in immersive technologies
Governance of decentralised digital ecosystems

6. Digital Identity, Inclusion and Access to Justice

Legal implications of biometric and digital ID systems
Access to justice in digital governance frameworks
Inclusion and exclusion in digital public infrastructure
Identity, citizenship, and digital rights
Technology-enabled legal services

7. Platform Governance and Intermediary Liability

Regulation of digital platforms and social media
Content moderation and freedom of expression
Fake news, misinformation, and legal responses
Liability of intermediaries and safe harbour provisions
Competition law and platform economies

8. Technology, Labour and the Future of Work

Gig economy and labour law reforms
Algorithmic management and worker rights
Remote work and digital employment frameworks
Workplace surveillance and privacy concerns
Social security in digital labour markets

9. Emerging Technologies and Future Legal Challenges

Quantum computing and post-encryption regulation
Internet of Things (IoT) and liability frameworks
Autonomous systems and legal accountability
Biotechnology, AI in healthcare, and legal ethics
Anticipatory regulation for disruptive technologies

10. Technology, Environment and Sustainable Development

Legal frameworks for green and sustainable technologies
Digital technologies in climate governance
E-waste regulation and environmental accountability
Technology for sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Climate justice and innovation policy

11. Regional Cooperation and Technology Law Harmonisation

South Asian approaches to technology regulation
Comparative legal frameworks and policy convergence
Regional cooperation in digital governance
South–South collaboration in technology law
Institutional mechanisms for harmonisation

Format and Presentation

The Conclave will be conducted entirely in virtual mode, ensuring wide participation across regions of the Global South. Selected authors will present their papers in moderated academic panels before an international audience of scholars, practitioners, and policy experts.

Recognition & Awards

Selected contributors will receive:

Publication in the International edited Volume titled, “Technology, Law and Society: Law, Policy and Emerging Technologies in South Asia” with ISBN 978-81-998939-3-1. To be published and distributed across 15 nations, with international editorial and institutional collaboration.
International Certificate of Presentation
Best Papers to be Featured in the Special Special Technology Law & Policy Review Edition, 2026 by the Cambridge – Teachers of Tomorrow
Top 15 Presenters to receive the Technology Law Research Fellowship by the Community for Academic Research and Development
Technology Policy Innovation Award for impactful and forward-looking research in emerging technologies
Emerging Scholar Award for students and early-career researchers demonstrating academic excellence
Opportunities for publication in policy briefs, international blogs, and partner platforms
Invitations for future international collaborations, conferences, and research initiatives
Selected works will be highlighted through international academic blogs, policy briefs, and partner platforms

Call for Papers Timeline

Abstract Submission Deadline: 20th April, 2026
(Abstracts should be between 250–300 words, clearly indicating the research question, methodology and relevance to the Conclave themes.)
Notification of Abstract Selection: 22nd April, 2026(Selected authors will be notified via email and invited to submit full papers.)
Full Paper Submission Deadline: 27th April, 2026(Full-length papers should be 3,000–4,000 words and follow the Conclave’s Submission Guidelines.)
Presentation Confirmation by Authors: 28th April, 2026(Selected participants must confirm attendance and complete registration.)
Date of Conclave: 30th April, 2026

Submission Guidelines

Categories:

Research Article: 3,000 to 6,000 words
Policy Paper / Legislative Analysis: 3,000 to 5,000 words
Case Studies / Legal Commentaries: 2,000 to 4,000 words

Format and Structure:

Font: Times New Roman
Body Text: 12pt, Justified Alignment
Headings: 14pt, Centre Alignment
Subheadings: 13pt
Footnotes: 10pt, Left Alignment
Citation Style: Bluebook 21st Edition
Spacing: 1.5
Language: English only

Abstract: Each submission must include a concise abstract not exceeding 300 words summarising the core ideas of the paper with 5 keywords.

Originality:

Submissions must be entirely original and unpublished.
Plagiarism should not exceed 10%, and AI-generated content is not allowed. Submissions violating these guidelines will be rejected.

Co-Authorship: Papers may have up to two authors.

Review Process:

A two-stage internal review will assess submissions.
Authors may be required to revise their papers based on feedback regarding content, structure, or formatting.

Why Participate?

Present your research at a premier international conclave dedicated to technology law, policy, and emerging technologies in South Asia and the Global South.
Engage with leading scholars, policymakers, technologists, industry experts, and international organisations shaping the future of digital governance.
The 2025 edition witnessed participation from 65 countries and over 120 institutions and research centres across South Asia, reflecting its global reach and academic impact.
Be published in an International Edited Volume titled, “Technology, Law and Society: Law, Policy and Emerging Technologies in South Asia”, Co-curated with Meta Blueprint and Cambridge – Teachers of Tomorrow.
Contribute to critical debates on AI governance, data protection, cybersecurity, digital rights, and emerging technology regulation.
Gain recognition through international presentation certification, awards, and global publication opportunities.
Build meaningful connections and expand your academic visibility, policy engagement, and global professional network in the field of technology law.