MUNICH, EXETER & BOLOGNA – The Ethical Data Initiative (EDI) and ICSC – Italian Research Centre on High-Performance Computing, Big Data, and Quantum Computing, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership marks a significant step toward a more ethical and responsible future for data, AI, and high-performance computing. The non-legally binding agreement outlines a commitment to coordinate efforts in areas of mutual interest, foster a successful working partnership, and avoid duplication of work.
The Ethical Data Initiative is a non-partisan platform, jointly coordinated by the University of Exeter and the TUM Think Tank, that promotes open discussion on data ethics. The initiative’s goal is to build data confidence and responsible data use across civil society, science, and industry. It also aims to increase equality and inclusivity in the data space and empower future digital citizens. EDI’s efforts prioritise education to promote an active ethical approach to all aspects of data work.
Fondazione ICSC serves as the coordinating entity for the Italian Research Centre on High-Performance Computing, Big Data and Quantum Computing. The organisation represents a network of 51 public and private members, focusing on research to bring innovative, low-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) research outputs to a market-ready state. With a motto of “From Research to Business,” ICSC is deeply involved in international projects, including managing the Italian Node of the EOSC Federation. The Fondazione is strongly committed to integrating data ethics into its programmes and is expanding its reach to organisations where the ethical aspect of data and AI is expected to grow substantially.
This partnership will create powerful synergies, enabling both organisations to expand their impact in critical areas. By combining their missions and expertise, they can advance their shared goals and create a model for embedding ethical principles into technical and scientific research.
The collaboration will help both organisations expand their reach to new sectors and domains. The partnership provides a platform for both to co-design strategies, organise joint workshops and events, and share best practices on ethical data work across diverse sectors.
This MoU represents more than a formal agreement; it is a shared vision for a future where technological advancement and ethical responsibility are inextricably linked. By combining their complementary missions and expertise, the EDI and Fondazione ICSC are setting a new standard for responsible innovation, creating a framework that will benefit their stakeholders and empower digital citizens of tomorrow.
