This doctoral dissertation deals with rules on digital trade in the light of WTO agreements.
Digital trade has brought about profound changes in the international trade framework. Traditional trade, which primarily involved the exchange of physical goods, has now expanded to encompass a wide range of digitally delivered services, online transactions, and data flows. This transformation has been driven by advancements in technology and the increasing interconnectedness of the global economy. The digital economy encompasses various digital technologies and platforms and has become a significant driver of economic growth and innovation. It allows businesses to reach international markets more quickly and efficiently, transcending geographical barriers. The internet, mobile devices, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence have facilitated this digital transformation. These technologies enable seamless communication, data storage and processing, automation, and personalised services, revolutionising how businesses operate and engage in international trade.
Digital trade has created new opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Small and medium-sized enterprises have benefited from the ability to access global markets through digital platforms and e-commerce. These platforms provide a means for Small and medium-sized enterprises to connect with potential customers worldwide, establish their presence, and market their products and services without needing a physical presence in foreign markets. This has lowered entry barriers and empowered Small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in global value chains, expanding their reach and contributing to economic growth.
One of the notable developments in the digital trade era is the rise of platform-based businesses. These platforms, such as e-commerce marketplaces, ride-sharing services, and online payment systems, act as intermediaries connecting buyers and sellers across borders. They facilitate transactions, provide infrastructure and services, and enable businesses to expand their customer base globally. Platforms have become influential players in international trade, shaping market dynamics and redefining traditional trading system.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Zusammenfassung (Summary)
- Einleitung (Introduction)
- Hintergrund und Motivation (Background and Motivation)
- Forschungsfragen und Zielsetzung (Research Questions and Objectives)
- Methodik (Methodology)
- Theoretischer Rahmen (Theoretical Framework)
- Digitaler Handel und seine Besonderheiten (Digital Trade and its Characteristics)
- Die Bedeutung von Regeln im digitalen Handel (The Importance of Rules in Digital Trade)
- Die WTO und ihre Regeln im Kontext des digitalen Handels (The WTO and its Rules in the Context of Digital Trade)
- WTO-Regelungen im digitalen Handel (WTO Rules in Digital Trade)
- Die GATT-1994 und ihre Relevanz für den digitalen Handel (GATT-1994 and its Relevance to Digital Trade)
- Das Übereinkommen über handelsbezogene Aspekte der Rechte des geistigen Eigentums (TRIPS) (The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS))
- Das Allgemeine Übereinkommen über den Handel mit Dienstleistungen (GATS) (The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS))
- Die WTO-Regeln im Bereich des elektronischen Handels (WTO Rules in Electronic Commerce)
- Herausforderungen und Chancen des digitalen Handels (Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Trade)
- Digitaler Protektionismus und dessen Auswirkungen (Digital Protectionism and its Impacts)
- Datenfluss und Datenschutz im digitalen Handel (Data Flows and Data Protection in Digital Trade)
- Cybersecurity und die Bedeutung von internationalen Normen (Cybersecurity and the Importance of International Standards)
- Die Rolle von multilateralen Abkommen im digitalen Handel (The Role of Multilateral Agreements in Digital Trade)
- Aktuelle Entwicklungen und Zukünftige Herausforderungen (Current Developments and Future Challenges)
- Die Digitalisierung des Welthandels (The Digitalization of Global Trade)
- Die Bedeutung von Digitalisierung für Entwicklungsländer (The Importance of Digitalization for Developing Countries)
- Zukünftige Herausforderungen für die WTO im digitalen Handel (Future Challenges for the WTO in Digital Trade)
- Zusammenfassung und Schlussfolgerung (Summary and Conclusion)
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This dissertation aims to analyze the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the context of digital trade. The work examines the extent to which the existing WTO framework adequately addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by the digitalization of global trade. It explores how the WTO's existing rules, particularly those related to goods, services, and intellectual property, can be applied to digital trade. The dissertation also analyzes the limitations of the current framework and identifies potential areas for reform.
- Digital trade as a distinct form of trade with its own unique characteristics.
- The application of WTO rules to digital trade and their potential limitations.
- The role of digital protectionism in shaping the global trade landscape.
- The challenges and opportunities of data flows and data protection in digital trade.
- The need for new rules and international cooperation to manage the future of digital trade.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the topic of digital trade and its significance in the global economy. It outlines the research questions and objectives of the dissertation and explains the methodology used for this study. The chapter also discusses the theoretical framework that will be used to analyze the WTO's rules in the context of digital trade.
Chapter 2 explores the characteristics of digital trade and its unique challenges for the WTO. It examines the role of digital technology in transforming traditional trade and discusses the importance of a comprehensive legal framework for digital trade.
Chapter 3 analyzes the existing WTO rules and their relevance to digital trade. It examines the rules under the GATT 1994, TRIPS, and GATS, and explores their potential for addressing the challenges of digital trade.
Chapter 4 focuses on the challenges and opportunities of digital trade, particularly those related to digital protectionism, data flows, and cybersecurity. It also discusses the potential role of multilateral agreements in shaping the future of digital trade.
Chapter 5 explores current developments in digital trade and their implications for the future. It examines the digitalization of global trade and its impact on developing countries. The chapter also discusses the potential challenges for the WTO in managing the future of digital trade.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this dissertation include digital trade, WTO rules, digital protectionism, data flows, data protection, cybersecurity, multilateral agreements, and the future of global trade.
- Quote paper
- Asif Khan (Author), 2023, Rules on Digital Trade in the Light of World Trade Organization Agreements, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1431515
