Final Press Conference of the ATLAWS Project at Presseclub Concordia
On February 27, 2025, the final press conference of the groundbreaking project “ATLAWS” (“Atlas for Tracking Law and Watching Standards”) took place at the Presseclub Concordia. Led by the Research Institute, the project aimed to create a “digital atlas” for EU digital legislation and present it in an accessible and comprehensible format. The main outcome is an innovative “wiki” platform that provides a quick and comprehensive overview of the complex regulations governing the digital space. The event provided an opportunity to present the project results and discuss their future significance.
High-Level Panel Discussion
The panel discussion, moderated by Sarah Kriesche (Ö1), brought together representatives from ministries, research institutions, and industry. Panelists included Florian Novotny (BMBWF), Ralph Hammer (BMF), Helmut Leopold (AIT, GAIA-X Hub Austria), Vincent Bretschneider (AustriaTech), and Martina Paul (OSSBIG). Representing the Research Institute, David M. Schneeberger (Project Lead) and Mirjam Tercero (Cluster Lead Data Strategy) highlighted the significance of ATLAWS for their respective institutions and its relevance for Europe’s digital transformation landscape.
ATLAWS as a Bridge Between Law and Practice
A unique feature of the project is the structured presentation of legal acts in a “wiki” format. This approach allows users not only to understand individual laws but also to grasp their interconnections with other regulations. Particular emphasis was placed on linking the platform with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and fostering a holistic perspective that encourages interdisciplinary engagement.
Free Access to Legal Knowledge
ATLAWS follows an open-source philosophy and is freely accessible under a Creative Commons license. This contributes to making legal information more comprehensible and widely available. The platform helps to convey abstract legal concepts in a practical manner, making the often perceived as inaccessible legal domain more transparent.
Innovation and Regulation in Harmony
A key topic of discussion was the balance between regulation and innovation. The panelists emphasized that “smart regulation” is essential to both enable innovation and ensure high-quality standards and product safety. ATLAWS demonstrates how regulatory clarity can foster innovation by helping companies and developers to consider legal frameworks at an early stage.
Wide Range of Applications for ATLAWS
The project offers significant added value for various target groups. Start-ups and software developers can quickly familiarize themselves with regulatory requirements, while students and researchers can explore digital law in depth. Digitalization service providers who support companies in implementing digital strategies also benefit from the structured and up-to-date knowledge base.
Future Prospects
Given the dynamic evolution of digital law, further development of ATLAWS is anticipated. Thanks to its wiki-based format, the platform can be continuously updated and adapted to new regulations. The Research Institute extends its gratitude to all participants and supporters who contributed their valuable input to the success of the project.
