In 2021, the Metalab Institute established a strategic partnership focused on exploring the ethics of AI with Onepoint, a leader in major transformations for businesses and public institutions. This collaboration serves as an alliance aimed at advancing both academic and practical understanding of the ethical implications and societal impacts of AI technologies.
Since its inception, this partnership has led to achievements such as the organisation of regular roundtables, the participation in student engagement activities, numerous publications, and the development of a series of seminars and hackathons through Onepoint collaborators’ contribution.
For our school and the Metalab Institute, the close connection with Onepoint's operational teams offers critical on-the-ground insights necessary for conducting activities aligned with real-world business challenges in ethical and responsible AI. Onepoint’s support also ensures the continuity of our mission, which is focused on driving ESSEC Business School’s transformation on AI and data topics, positioning the school at the forefront of responsible AI research and education.
Through privileged access to students involved in Metalab’s programs, including the IDEAS think tank, Onepoint engages directly with future leaders, contributing to their education through workshops, seminars, and case studies.
Onepoint and the Metalab Institute promote a shared vision for the ethical use of AI through webinars, public consultations, and collaborative projects, positioning both organizations as advocates for responsible AI development.
By fostering a collaborative approach, the partnership accelerates knowledge in AI and deepens understanding of its ethical implications. Joint events, hackathons, and public communications have engaged more than 600 students, showcasing the productive synergy between academia and industry.
This partnership embodies a forward-looking collaboration that bridges the gap between academia and business, contributing not only to the academic and professional development of students but also to a broader societal dialogue on the ethical challenges posed by AI. Through the sustained exchange of ideas, the creation of content, and joint initiatives, the alliance continues to be a catalyst for responsible innovation and knowledge dissemination in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Different activities have been led since the beginning of this partnership, as shown below:
More than 30 articles have been written by the student members of IDEAS, and are available on the ESSEC Metalab website. Alongside, through onepoint support, a series of podcasts has been launched where ESSEC students interview data & AI professors and practitioners on the latest trends and topics revolving around this field.
In addition, several position papers have been co-written by onepoint collaborators and Metalab Institute co-directors, and publicly released.
Onepoint and the Metalab Institute have successfully launched a series of webinars discussing the impact, stakes, and risks of technology on society (all the episodes are available on the Metalab Youtube channel - in French).
Two roundtable discussions organized by the IDEAS think tank members were organized in 2023. The students, moderators, and the audience discussed generative AI and AI and sustainability - two subjects as relevant as they are essential, considering their importance in the current context.
The Metalab Institute team is also very pleased to join Onepoint’s annual event celebrating “L’Institut onepoint”, created with the vision of bridging the gap between research and industry. Thus, as a privileged partner, the Metalab Institute has the opportunity to introduce the public to its activities, and to get connected to the other project collaborators supported by onepoint.
Lastly, the partnership between the two institutions also materializes through the implementation and integration of activities for the ESSEC community, such as :
