Digital Readiness Index for Arbitration Institutions: Challenges and Implications for Dispute Resolution Under the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

Post-COVID-19, a paradigm shift has occurred in the adoption of technology in arbitration. Leading arbitral institutions have adapted quickly, highlighting the foresight of institutions who have existing technological infrastructure in place. This article proposes a ‘Digital Readiness Index’, which aims to evaluate arbitral institutions on their level of digital readiness based on five evaluative indicators. Crossreferenced against Institute for Management Development (IMD’s) 2019 World Digital Competitiveness Rankings, the findings reveal synergies between an economy’s digital competitiveness and the adoption of technology in dispute resolution. To further the development of dispute resolution processes under the Belt and Road Initiative, strategic cooperation is required under the Beijing Joint Declaration of the ‘Belt and Road’ Arbitration Institutions, to advance best practices and protocols in the use of technology in arbitration, and address challenges such as cybersecurity and data protection. international arbitration, belt and road initiative, digital competitiveness, technology and arbitration, remote hearing, arbitration institutions, cybersecurity and data protection