Wentong Zheng, J.D., Ph.D.

Professor of Law

Fredric G. Levin College of Law

2024 Awardee

Wentong Zheng is a distinguished academic with profound expertise in legal and economic issues pertinent to businesses and regulatory agencies in the globalized economy. His scholarly pursuits cover a broad spectrum of topics, including international trade and business; antitrust and competition policy; international intellectual property; and Chinese state capitalism.

Building on the work he has done on data and cross-border digital trade, Zheng is now doing research on the impact of big data on national security.

“In recent years, the utilization of big data in artificial intelligence and misinformation on social media platforms have exacerbated the national security risks of data. My project will assess the adequacy of the legal frameworks currently in place to mitigate these risks and make policy proposals on the best ways forward,” Zheng says.

Zheng’s contributions are recognized in both academic circles and policy-making arenas. He has presented his research to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission and has been a valued participant in seminars and discussions hosted by prominent federal institutions. He holds a juris doctor and a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University.

Zheng’s research has also addressed various significant issues including personal data and privacy protection, cybersecurity and cross-border data flows. Along with a collaborator, he is currently analyzing global subsidy rules — particularly in light of recent developments like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act’s subsidies for the electric vehicle industry.

Zheng’s work has been cited 1,143 times, reflecting his significant impact on his fields.

“Professor Zheng is one of the rare legal scholars who moves freely between theory and practice, producing scholarship that leverages his expertise in both areas to appeal to academics, practicing attorneys, and policymakers,” says Merritt E. McAlister, the Levin, Mabie & Levin Professor of Law and interim dean of the College of Law.