Digital Regulation and Governance: The Role of Public Law and Private Law
The regulation of digital technologies has become a key issue at the global, European, and national levels. Despite multiple efforts, the regulatory environment for digital technologies remains fragmented, shaped by competing narratives that yield diverse policies, rules, and enforcement strategies. In this context, policies are increasingly expressed through regulatory frameworks characterised by the hybridisation of public and private law, as exemplified so far by the EU Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act. The use of algorithmic impact assessments to evaluate potential infringements on fundamental rights, the incorporation of fairness and non-discrimination standards into contract law, or the expansion of public interest goals in competition policy are just a few examples of this transformation. This shift is also significant in the enforcement phase of digital regulation, with administrative authorities and courts often required to interpret these frameworks at the intersection of public and private law instruments.
Over the last five years, the DigiCon Academy has fostered collaborations and provided a platform for scholars interested in analysing legal problems arising from the use of digital technologies. This year, which marks the sixth edition of our Academy, focuses on the interplay between digital regulation and governance. The Digital Constitutionalism Academy 2026 will focus on “Digital Regulation and Governance: Framing the Role of Public Law and Private Law” and will be structured over two days, featuring scholars coming from different areas willing to share knowledge and kindle interdisciplinary discussions. The first day is scheduled for a conference to explore the changing landscape of digital regulation, focusing on the roles of the public and private regulatory spheres. The second day features the Training School, which includes interactive sessions led by top scholars and practitioners. The 2026 Academy’s goal is to enhance participants’ knowledge of digital regulation and governance, promote valuable exchanges, broaden professional networks, and inspire new collaborative research opportunities.
Day 1: Conference
Thursday 9 April 2026
Scholars, policymakers, and experts are invited to reflect on the boundaries between public and private law in digital regulation and to submit their abstracts for presentation at the conference. Contributions are welcomed from different areas and expertise, in particular addressing:
1. The emergence of hybrid regulatory frameworks in digital governance, combining elements of public and private law, and their role in transforming global and European regulatory approaches;
2. The incorporation of fundamental rights protection and democratic values into digital regulation through mechanisms such as algorithmic impact assessments and fairness or non-discrimination standards in contract law, reflecting the growing convergence between legal and technological considerations;
3. The verticalization in the role of governments, at the state level, and international and supranational institutions, such as the EU Commission, to govern the implementation and enforcement of digital regulation;
4. The evolving role of administrative authorities and courts in interpreting and enforcing digital regulations at the intersection of public and private law, highlighting the challenges of ensuring consistent governance, accountability, and effective rights protection across diverse regulatory regimes. We encourage papers that offer interdisciplinary insights into these critical issues.
5. The role of policy and stakeholder participation in integrating and shaping the interpretation and implementation of digital regulation.
Day 2: Training School
Friday 10 April 2026
On the second day, the Academy will welcome participants for the Training School. This day will be organised in interactive lecture sessions designed to deepen the understanding of the role and the boundaries of public and private law in digital regulation. The Training School will offer participants the opportunity to engage with leading experts in digital regulation and governance. It will also explore the regulatory approaches emerging at the national, European and international levels, and provide participants with the tools and knowledge to address these constitutional challenges.
Application Procedure
The Academy warmly encourages submissions from applicants interested in presenting their work in the first-day conference or just engaging with the event, regardless of whether they intend to present their work.
To apply as a speaker for the conference on the first day, your submission must include:
– A title and abstract of your presentation (maximum 500 words, in English).
– Your full name(s) and affiliation(s), and
– Your CV and brief bio (up to 100 words).
To apply as a participant, please submit the following documents:
– Your CV, and
– A statement (up to 300 words) detailing your interest in the Academy and explaining how the Training School will benefit your academic or professional development.
Please submit your application to Giovanni De Gregorio (gdegregorio@ucp.pt) and Erik Longo (erik.longo@unifi.it), with the subject “Digital Constitutionalism Academy 2026 – Participant Application” or “Digital Constitutionalism Academy 2026 – Participant”.
Key Dates
Deadline for Submissions and Applications: 30 January 2026
Notification of Acceptance: 10 February 2026
Fees and Participation
The fee for participating in the Academy, including the Conference (9 April 2026) and the Training School (10 April 2026) is 120 EUR, both for speakers and participants. This fee includes participation in both events, as well as access to coffee breaks and social events during the Academy. The Academy is an in-person event only. The organisation is not responsible for covering accommodation and transportation. At the moment, there are no scholarships available covering participation costs.
Venue
The Academy will take place at Villa Ruspoli, Piazza Indipendenza 9, Florence, Italy.
Organisations
The Digital Constitutionalism Academy is co-organised by the University of Florence, the European University Institute, Bocconi University, and Católica Global School of Law, with the support of Digi-Con, MediaLaws, and DICOPO.
Stay in Touch
For further information about the Academy, please contact: Giovanni De Gregorio (gdegregorio@ucp.pt) and Erik Longo (erik.longo@unifi.it).
