The theme of artificial intelligence will be at the top of Science&You’s 2021 agenda. This is also a priority for Orange, which has recently been awarded the international GEEIS-AI certification: can you tell us more about this?
Before answering the question, I’d like to reiterate Orange’s pledge alongside Université de Lorraine for this year’s Science&You event, particularly to address any needs that the general public and professionals alike might encounter in accessing technological expertise, innovation and digital uses.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a tremendous driver of growth and progress in the spheres of education, health, the environment and industry and an opportunity for reducing inequality.
It will only be possible to fully tap into the potential harboured by AI if we design, deploy and use it responsibly and inclusively, because AI must be developed for everyone’s benefit. Orange is fully committed to helping shape a society founded on trust. We are thus upholding a responsible and inclusive vision of digital technology in a bid to build a more open, equal and fairer society.
Orange is the first company to be awarded the international GEEIS-AI¹ label, a certification created by the Arborus Endowment Fund, thus showcasing the Group’s commitment to designing and developing artificial intelligence in a responsible and inclusive manner.
Gaining GEEIS-AI certification in September 2020 marks a further step in Orange’s proactive efforts in favour of digital equality and builds on the signature of the International Charter for Inclusive AI. Signed on 21 April 2020, this Charter strives to provide a benchmark for all companies committed to diversity and inclusion: tech companies as well as all those that harness AI for the sake of respecting diversity, by ensuring that the whole of the data value chain is responsible and that discriminatory bias is identified and controlled.
Orange is strengthening its relationship with its clients, employees and stakeholders as a trusted partner, in keeping with its purpose, through the setup on 23 March 2021 of a Data and AI Ethics Council. Chaired by Stéphane Richard, CEO of Orange, this is made up of 11 renowned external experts in the field, chosen for their independence and neutrality, their expertise on the subjects and their diverse backgrounds. It is an independent, advisory body tasked with supporting the company’s implementation of ethical principles governing the use of AI and data technologies.
One of the hallmarks of Science&You is that it provides a comparative vision of scientific outreach, combining the viewpoints of scientific and technical culture professionals and researchers. This complementary outlook is also one of the key building blocks of the “Digital Society Forum” collaborative platform initiated by Orange, is it not?
The Orange Group firmly believes that digital technology can make a real difference in terms of economic and social development, of growing the potential of each one of us and of shaping a more intelligent, responsible and open society. With that in mind, in 2013 we set up the Digital Society Forums (DSFs), a society-centred approach geared towards civic contribution.
DSFs represent a platform for calling into question, and making proposals about, themes to do with the challenges of digital transformation in all aspects of day-to-day life. They are participatory events designed for everyone, to pave the way for different views to emerge between academia, institutional stakeholders, practitioners, economic operators and citizens. Everyone is given an opportunity to have their say about the themes covered by the DSFs. The various participants think about the challenges of digital technology in their day-to-day and share their comparative vision during sessions by enhancing them through civic participation. The subjects of the DSFs resonate with society’s key issues (privacy, professional life, education, recreation, citizenship, consumers, health and so on) and are looked at through the lens of digital technology’s impact on behaviours.
The aim is to make information accessible to the mainstream and to gain a complete picture of the social fabric as a whole, so as to empower everyone in understanding and, thereby, acting in the face of digital challenges.
Orange would like to organise and open up more of these DSFs right across France, so as to provide local access and extend their benefit to the widest possible audience. The intention is also for DSFs to be rolled out abroad for the purposes of holding discussions in line with the specific characteristics of different types of country.
What role do companies have to play in scientific outreach today and, in that regard, what does Science&You represent for you?
These days, scientific outreach is more vital than ever since, in some ways, it is a means of more effectively learning and putting things back in context; scientific mediation can spark aspirations and curiosity, spot talent, prepare for the occupations of tomorrow and reconnect different groups with science and technology.
Companies act as a key link with universities and schools to engage with citizens around science, technology and environmental issues: developing interaction with researchers and professionals in the strategic industries putting scientific breakthroughs into practice.
As a longstanding operator and stakeholder of digital technology, the Orange Group hopes to play an active part in improving citizens’ understanding of the issues related to new technologies so as to leverage digital technology as a driver of progress for everyone.
The Orange Group therefore seeks to be a "digital coach" committed to helping citizens make sense of the major changes unfolding amid the digital transition. This approach matters all the more since the health crisis has recently ramped up the pace of the digital transformation. Hearing society’s demands and providing answers; we need to give thought to what is going on in our societies, together with all civil society members across the board.
By partnering up with Science&You, the Orange Group, committed alongside Université de Lorraine and schools, can fully assume its role as a digital ambassador/outreach actor to provide clarity and insight regarding the issues shaping society and advance diversity in favour of more inclusive digital technology.
¹GEEIS-AI: Gender Equality European & International Standard – Artificial Intelligence