French initiative for responsible AI leaders

 

ESSEC Business School and Accenture Launch ‘AI for Responsible Leadership’ Initiative

ESSEC Business School and Accenture have unveiled a new initiative, ‘AI for Responsible Leadership,’ commemorating the 10th anniversary of the ESSEC Accenture Strategic Business Analytics Chair. This initiative aims to foster the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in leadership, equipping current and future leaders with essential skills to navigate economic, environmental, and social challenges.

A Collaborative Effort

The initiative is backed by multiple institutions, businesses, and expert groups, including ESSEC Metalab for Data, Technology & Society and Accenture Research. Abdelmounaim Derraz, Executive Director of ESSEC Metalab, emphasised the transformative role of AI in business education, stating, “Technical subjects are continuously reshaping business schools, and AI has created opportunities for collaboration between partner companies, researchers, and other ecosystem members, such as students, think tanks, associations, and public service organisations.”

Over the past decade, the Chair has championed interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from various domains to enhance AI’s role in leadership. The new initiative builds upon this foundation, promoting knowledge-sharing through workshops, discussions, and the introduction of a ‘barometer’ to monitor AI’s impact on responsible leadership.

Key Features and Goals

A crucial aspect of the initiative is its engagement with a wide network of institutions and academic publications. An annual Grand Prix will recognise outstanding projects that explore AI’s role in leadership.

Fabrice Marque, founder of the initiative and current ESSEC Accenture Strategic Business Analytics Chair, highlighted the long-standing efforts in leveraging AI for organisational success. “For years, we have explored the potential of data and artificial intelligence within organisations. Our collaborations with partners such as Accenture, Accor, Dataiku, Engie, Eurofins, MSD, and Orange have allowed us to test and implement innovative solutions. With this initiative, we are taking a significant step forward by uniting an engaged ecosystem to redefine leadership in the face of tomorrow’s challenges. Our goal is to make AI a driver of performance, innovation, and responsibility for leaders.”

Industry Perspectives

Aurélien Bouriot, Managing Director at Accenture and sponsor of the ESSEC/Accenture Chair, underscored the benefits of the initiative for all stakeholders, including Accenture employees actively participating in the program.

Additionally, Laetitia Cailleteau, Managing Director at Accenture and leader of Responsible AI & Generative AI for Europe, stressed the importance of AI literacy among future leaders. “AI is a cornerstone of the ongoing industrial transformation. Tomorrow’s leaders must grasp its technical, ethical, and human dimensions, along with associated risks, to maximise value creation and generate a positive impact for organisations, stakeholders, and society.”

Looking Ahead

As AI continues to reshape industries, ESSEC and Accenture’s initiative sets a new benchmark for responsible leadership. By equipping leaders with essential AI knowledge and ethical frameworks, the program aims to drive sustainable innovation and informed decision-making in an increasingly AI-driven world.