Semiconductors have been one of the focuses of the EU’s so-called ‘economic security’ strategies. Semiconductors have also been discussed in the related political initiative to promote ‘knowledge security’ and ‘research security’. One of the legal instruments invoked for pursuing the EU’s economic security and knowledge security is the field of law called ‘export controls’, and more precisely, ‘dual-use’ export controls. Despite being extensively used by the US, EU, Netherlands, and many other industrial states as a tool to limit the international transfer of technologies, the nature and objectives of export controls are little known or often misunderstood, given the technical nature of the field of law. By using semiconductor export controls as an example, the colloquium first provides an introduction to the field of law (dual-use export control). The colloquium then discusses some of the challenges and intricacies arising from the concept of dual-use, the mixture of security and economic narratives, tensions between security and academic freedom, and human rights implications, including the principle of non-discrimination. Subsequently, this colloquium invites further discussions on how these insights could inform current discussions on quantum technologies innovation.

The talk will be hosted (in person, with the possibility to attend remotely) by the Institute for Information Law (IViR) and the Amsterdam Center for International Law (ACIL) at the Amsterdam Law School of the University of Amsterdam, and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut.

Time: 15:30 – 17:00
Location: Amsterdam, Roeterseilandcomplex, Building A, REC A5.24 (IViR Room).
Interested in attending, or receiving updates about future events? Please register here.

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Dr. Machiko Kanetake is Associate Professor of Public International Law at Utrecht University and the Director of the Master’s programme in Public International Law. Previously, she has been appointed as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam and held visiting appointments at NYU School of Law, Harvard Law School, and King’s College London. She is an editor of the Leiden Journal of International Law. She is a member of the Management Board of the Utrecht Centre for Regulation and Enforcement in Europe, and a member of the Steering Team of Utrecht University’s focus area on Governing the Digital Society.

Centre for Quantum and Society
The Centre for Quantum and Society is a knowledge and co-creation center to maximize quantum technologies’ positive impact on society. We’re part of Action Line 4 of Quantum Delta NL, a unique program that aims to put societal impact first. We facilitate ground-breaking research into the ethical, legal, and societal dimensions related to quantum technologies. We develop tools to assess quantum applications’ impacts and develop governance approaches and guidelines. We support start–ups, small businesses, and corporate innovation teams in understanding the potential impact of quantum technologies on their sector, customers, and society. Last but not least, we initiate mission-driven innovation projects. 

This monthly colloquium, organized by the Center for Quantum & Society of Quantum Delta NL, provides a platform for quantum & society researchers, aimed at building and broadening the community engaged in research on non-technical questions related to quantum technologies, including their development, applications, and implications. We will provide networking opportunities within the community, including with the aim to facilitate new collaborations.