The conditions for innovation and communications are changing rapidly. Distributed modes of creation and innovation are flourishing and challenging traditional centrally planned innovation within established institutions. Two examples of mode-shifting with Finnish roots are the open source development of Linux and the innovation model of Nokia, the global leader in mobile communications. The internet has simultaneously enabled changes in the agency of communications: everyone with an internet-connection can now participate in the creation of meaning and interact as a member of the public.

Much of this development takes place on internet-based platforms, which naturally also serves as a buzzing global market-place. Traditionally intellectual property laws are tailored to solve real world problems territorially, solutions that often fit poorly in a global and virtual world. The conference focuses on how the law can develop to solve problems that arise when traditional laws encounter changed technology or new behavior on the part of the citizenry; be it private or entrepreneurial.