By Constance de Leusse, Paul Fehlinger and Sarah Nicole
Collaborative Dialogues Between Impact Ecosystems
Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and the transformative impact of disruptive technologies spanning data, AI, or web3, leaders in philanthropy, and impact investing from North America and Europe converged for a pivotal Responsible Innovation Day on November 9, 2023.
Jointly organized by Project Liberty’s Institute, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Bertelsmann Stiftung, and Sciences Po, this event took place on the campus of Sciences Po Paris — a founding partner of Project Liberty’s Institute.
On the eve of the Paris Peace Forum 2023, the gathering aimed at fostering a collaborative dialogue to shape the responsible technology use.
Fostering Partnerships to Drive Responsible Technology
The discussions evolved around five main themes: Responsible Innovation, AI landscape, Trust and Safety, Fair data economy, and Digital Security. Participants explored the intricate landscape of responsible innovation, identifying challenges and collaboratively brainstorming solutions ranging from necessary new global cooperation mechanisms to standards and technical solutions such as public interest technology or protocols. The meeting allowed to build connectivity between funders and investors and other key actors advancing responsible innovation across the Atlantic.
Rt Hon Dame former New Zealand Prime Minister and Special Envoy for the Christchurch Call, Jacinda Ardern joined the conversation along with 30+ other high-level experts in the field of impact investment and responsible innovation.
Catalysing Responsible Innovation in the Age of AI and Web3
The day concluded with a high-level public discussion in the auditorium of Sciences Po, including Mathias Vicherat, Director, Sciences Po Paris - Arancha González, Dean, Paris School of International Affairs and former Foreign Minister of Spain - Børge Brende, President, World Economic Forum - Amanda Craig, Senior Director of Public Policy, Responsible AI, Microsoft - Colin Corwell, Managing Director Blue Owl Group and former VP, Global Public Policy & Corporate Philanthropy, Twitter - Constance de Leusse, Executive Director, Project Liberty Institute.
Addressing major issues stemming from the advent of web3 and AI, this public discussion, moderated by Paul Fehlinger, Director of Policy, Governance Innovation & Impact, Project Liberty Institute, underscored the crucial roles that funders and impact investors can play in shaping the landscape of responsible technological innovation.
The outcomes of the Responsible Innovation Day contribute to creating synergies and setting the agenda for funders and investors for how to best shape a positive future where innovation and ethics intertwine seamlessly, fostering a technological landscape that serves humanity responsibly and sustainably.
We are looking forward to pursuing these discussions next year to highlight the main priorities of all funders for the benefit of all.