The Vienna Arbitration Days, held on 9 and 10 May, gathered distinguished international arbitration practitioners, institutions, and academics to explore the topic of efficiency in arbitration. This special edition of the conference – also marking VIAC’s 50th anniversary – showcased established practices and innovative ideas on strategies for achieving better case management and enhancing efficiency in arbitration proceedings.

A particular highlight is the traditional Arbitration World Café, which offers participants the chance to exchange views in smaller, groups focused on specific topics. Associate Maximilian Murtinger, together with Catrice Gayer (HSF) led a dynamic discussion on “The (Lacking) Role of Institutions in Driving Efficiency”: While procedural flexibility remains one of arbitration’s core strengths, the discussion centred on what arbitral institutions can do to promote efficiency and whether there is not only room, but also a need, for them to take a more active role. Their insights will be published in the next edition of the Austrian Yearbook of International Arbitration.