3.7.2025
At the intersection of academic research, the business world, and major societal issues, the ESSEC Metalab Institute for AI, Data and Society has established itself as a strategic player in the data and artificial intelligence ecosystem, both in France and internationally. Its ambition: to foster ethical, responsible, and socially beneficial AI in close collaboration with businesses, institutions, and public decision-makers.
The Metalab Institute for AI, Data and Society actively engages in discussions around AI governance and applications at both national and international levels. It is a partner of La Villa Numeris, participates in roundtables with public decision-makers, and contributes to white papers, particularly on Europe's role in AI governance.
“This close connection to innovation has allowed us to keep the school at the forefront of these topics. The ecosystem is maturing and gaining visibility,” emphasizes Abdelmounaim Derraz, Director of the Metalab.
The team is also involved in OECD working groups, leveraging its expertise to build shared analytical frameworks on AI’s impact on work, skills, and organizations. Julien Malaurent, Deputy Dean of ESSEC Business School and Professor of Information Systems, co-leads a study conducted across eight OECD member countries on the effects of AI in professional environments.
In a natural extension of its engagement, ESSEC participated in the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in February 2025, a major event in Paris that gathered global leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the critical challenges of AI. Before, during, and after the summit, ESSEC hosted several events to actively contribute to this global dialogue.
The Metalab forges strategic partnerships with companies seeking to think beyond mere technological performance. The AI for Responsible Leadership (AI4RL) initiative, launched with Accenture, explores how leaders can integrate AI to make fairer decisions, enhance transparency, and anticipate organizational transformations.
"Technical subjects continue to challenge business schools, and AI has opened new opportunities for collaboration between corporate partners, researchers, and other ecosystem members," notes Abdelmounaim Derraz.
A joint chair and later a scientific committee were established with Accenture to structure and sustain these exchanges over the long term. Together, the partners organize events, awards, and publications focused on high-impact projects. Among these initiatives is the ESSEC AI for Responsible Leadership Grand Prize, which honors visionary leaders and projects using AI for the common good.
Another flagship collaboration is the partnership with Onepoint, a key player in the digital transformation of organizations. This initiative fosters dialogue between professionals and researchers on the ethical uses of AI across both the public and private sectors. It has resulted in a co-authored book by Muriel Touaty and Julien Malaurent, as well as seminars, webinars, and a hackathon organized in a Paris high school involving 900 students around responsible AI practices.
The Metalab also actively contributes to sector initiatives such as the French AI Startup Map, unveiled on April 16 by Hub France IA and TNP Consultants. This tool identifies 328 innovative French AI startups to help guide investors, policymakers, and businesses in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Through its actions, the Metalab fully embodies ESSEC’s societal mission: to educate leaders who can understand, manage, and steer AI-driven transformations grounded in responsibility and openness. It acts as a bridge between academic research and the real-world challenges of today, fostering strong ties with institutions, businesses, think tanks, and startups.
This partnership-driven momentum is also playing out at the European level: ESSEC recently secured a major four-year grant, further strengthening its role in shaping public policy and responsible practices in the age of AI.
As Guillaume Chevillon, Academic Director of the Metalab, puts it: "We help companies adopt and adapt artificial intelligence—whether through applied research with BNP Paribas, ethical discussions with Onepoint, or exploring AI’s impact on leadership with Accenture. We also collaborate on more technical finance-related topics with a UK investment fund. In parallel, our partnership with La Villa Numeris allows us to engage with public decision-makers. The Metalab builds relationships with companies and institutions, develops an interdisciplinary network, and serves as a bridge to foster reflection on AI’s societal impacts.”
