Everyone’s talking about it. Many specialize in it. But how knowledgeable are we of the extent to which it will affect us?

Digitalization, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence are the “next big thing” in technology and trade. They’re expected to fundamentally transform various industry functions and our everyday lives much like the industrial revolution once did, but a lot quicker.

A common misunderstanding, however, is that only IT and media companies will be affected by these developments. Yet there are endless questions to be asked.

What are the practical implications of digitalization and related issues for companies, their clients, employees, directors and society in general? What are the new business opportunities and threats? Which fields of business are susceptible to disruption and why? What is the consumer’s point of view?

How about openness of data and cybersecurity? Who owns big data and how can companies utilize and transfer it? How should legal departments be involved in the drafting of corporate digitalization strategies? What will change for law firms? Which fields of law will be impacted and how?

These are just some of the questions that are on the minds of many lawyers and business leaders.

Newly appointed Chairman of Amcham’s Legal Committee, Antti Karanko (Specialist Counsel at Merilampi Attorneys Ltd) and Vice Chairman Bradley Mitchell (Executive Director at Fondia Oy) are delighted to announce that, in 2017-2018, the focus of the group will be on digitalization.

Amcham’s Legal Committee intends to identify which concrete changes in regulation, public policy or general attitude are necessary to ensure that Finland will be at the forefront of defining the legal and regulatory environment.

“Digitalization is already changing, and will continue to change how businesses operate in the future. It will change existing business models and procedures, open up new opportunities and disrupt existing industries,” Vice Chair Bradley Mitchell noted.

“In order to maintain a competitive advantage, companies will need to adapt and countries will need to address the legal and regulatory issues that arise,” he continued.

The Legal Committee aims to drive real, specific changes, provide tools for Amcham members, and actively pursue their interests. It is a platform for legal experts and in-house lawyers to come together and share their insights.

“Amcham’s Legal Committee has been very active over the years, and it intends to be as active, if not more so in the next two years, but with a somewhat different approach,” says Chairman Antti Karanko.

For this purpose, Amcham member companies are invited to actively attend Legal Committee meetings, express their views and concerns and participate in various sessions that will be organized around the chosen area of focus.

Together, we’ll build a road map to understanding and navigating in the age of digitalization.

We are, as always, open to new ways of collaborating to make the voices of Amcham members heard. For more information or to get involved, contact Head of Advocacy Nina Hyvärinen.