Power in a Digitalised World: Evolving Perspectives on Competition Law, Regulation and Beyond

Abstract

In an increasingly digitalised world, it has become difficult to ignore the concentration of power in the hands of major technology corporations. However clear this statement seems, it takes on different meanings when examined through different lenses. This Special Issue explores themes related to the theoretical underpinnings of the power of big technology corporations, its boundaries in various legal domains, and potential countervailing measures. Set against the backdrop of Gerbrandy and Phoa’s theory of Modern Bigness, it recognises that the power of big technology corporations is highly complex and transcends the traditional conceptions underlying current regulatory frameworks. This Special Issue brings together a selection of articles based on the interdisciplinary conference titled ‘Power in a Digitalised World: Evolving Perspectives on Competition Law, Regulation and Beyond’ held at Utrecht University on 4–5 April 2024, organised by members of the ERC Starting Grant project ‘Modern Bigness’.