MONACO, EXETER & BOLOGNA – The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) and ICSC – National Research Centre in High-Performance Computing, Big Data and Quantum Computing, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This partnership marks a significant step towards a more ethical and responsible future for data, Artificial Intelligence and high-performance computing. The agreement, which is not legally binding, establishes a commitment to coordinate efforts in areas of common interest, foster successful collaboration and avoid duplication of work.
What is EDI?
The Ethical Data Initiative is a non-partisan platform, jointly coordinated by the University of Exeter and the TUM Think Tank, which promotes open debate on data ethics. The initiative aims to strengthen trust in data and promote its responsible use in civil society, science and industry. It also aims to increase equality and inclusivity in the data space and to educate the digital citizens of the future. EDI’s activities prioritise education to foster an ethical approach in all dimensions of data work.
ICSC
The ICSC Foundation is the coordinating body of the National Research Centre for High-Performance Computing, Big Data and Quantum Computing. The organisation represents a network of 51 public and private members, with a focus on research aimed at transforming innovative low TRL (Technology Readiness Level) research results into market-ready solutions. With the motto “From Research to Business”, the ICSC is heavily involved in international projects, including the coordination of the Italian Node of the EOSC Federation. The ICSC Foundation is committed to integrating data ethics into its programmes and is expanding into organisations where the ethical aspect of data and AI is set to grow significantly.
The MoU
This collaboration will create powerful synergies, enabling both organisations to expand their impact in critical areas. By combining their missions and expertise, they will be able to advance shared goals and build a model for integrating ethical principles into technical and scientific research.
The partnership will also enable them to extend their activities to new sectors and domains, providing a platform for co-designing strategies, organising joint workshops and events, and sharing best practices on data ethics in different fields.
The MoU is more than just a formal agreement: it is a shared vision of a future in which technological progress and ethical responsibility are inextricably linked. By combining complementary missions and expertise, EDI and the ICSC Foundation are setting a new standard for responsible innovation, creating a framework that will benefit their stakeholders and empower the digital citizens of tomorrow.
