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Research Lab in Business and Technology Ethics

1. Context

The rapid rise of AI and emerging technologies is transforming industries, decision-making, and societal structures which brings both unprecedented opportunities and profound ethical challenges. While AI systems promise efficiency and innovation, their hidden costs(being environmental, social, and organizational) are often overlooked. Companies face dilemmas around transparency, accountability, and the alignment of technological progress with societal values.
At the Research Lab in Business and Technology Ethics, we address these challenges by bridging business strategy, ethical philosophy, and technological innovation. Our work builds on the growing yet fragmented research in business ethics, pushing for new perspectives that prioritize sustainability, sovereignty, and stakeholder inclusion. We aim to equip businesses, policymakers, and academics with the tools to navigate this transformation responsibly and proactively.

2. Ambition

The Research Lab in Business and Technology Ethics is driven by a bold ambition: to shape a future where technological innovation aligns seamlessly with ethical responsibility and societal progress. As AI and emerging technologies redefine industries, governance, and human interaction, we believe that ethical considerations must not be an afterthought - they must be the foundation of innovation.
Our goal is to build critical knowledge that helps organizations navigate the complex ethical, strategic, and societal challenges posed by AI. We aim to:

Develop concrete frameworks that enable companies to align their technological advancements with strong societal commitments, ensuring that innovation serves both markets and the public good.
Promote interdisciplinary research that bridges business strategy, ethical philosophy, and engineering, fostering a holistic understanding of technology’s impact.
Position Belgium as a leader in the global conversation on ethical governance, making it a reference for responsible AI adoption in business and beyond.

Through rigorous research, teaching, and public engagement, we seek to empower businesses, policymakers, and academics to create desirable socio-economic futures. By addressing gaps in current literature, such as the lack of questioning technology itself, or the lack of discussions on sustainability and sovereignty, we aim to redefine how ethics is integrated into the core of technological development.
Ultimately, our ambition is to ensure that AI and emerging technologies are not just powerful, but also transparent, accountable, and equitable - serving as tools for progress that respect human dignity, fairness, and the common good.

3. Activities

To achieve our mission, the Research Lab in Business and Technology Ethics focuses on four key activities:

Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research: We conduct in-depth studies to explore the ethical dimensions of AI in business. Our research targets leading journals in business ethics, philosophy, and technology, ensuring academic rigor and real-world relevance.
Teaching and Curriculum Development: We integrate ethical perspectives into business education, offering courses, workshops, and in-company training to equip future leaders with the tools to navigate AI’s challenges responsibly.
Public Engagement: Through symposia, conferences, and publications, we disseminate our findings to academics, policymakers, and industry leaders, fostering a broader dialogue on ethical AI.
Partnerships and Consulting: We collaborate with businesses, NGOs, and public institutions to co-develop frameworks and solutions that embed ethics into technological innovation.

By combining research, education, and outreach, we create a dynamic ecosystem where theory meets practice: driving meaningful change in how AI is governed and deployed.

4. Become a Partner

The Research Lab in Business and Technology Ethics invites organizations to join us in shaping the future of ethical AI. By becoming a partner, you will:

Champion Ethical AI: Align your brand with a critical and high-visibility issue in today’s tech landscape, demonstrating your commitment to responsible innovation.
Access Exclusive Expertise: Benefit from complimentary keynotes, workshops, and training sessions delivered by our researchers, designed to inspire your teams and stakeholders.
Co-Drive Research: Help steer our long-term agenda by collaborating on topics that align with your strategic priorities, ensuring our work addresses real-world challenges.
Strengthen Belgium’s Role: Contribute to positioning Belgian academia as a global reference in ethical technology governance.

Your support will directly enable groundbreaking work at the intersection of business, technology, and ethics.

5. Key Contacts

For inquiries about the Research Lab in Business and Technology Ethics, please reach out to:

Marek Hudon, Full Professor at Solvay Brussels School, specializing in sustainable finance, microfinance, and business ethics. Email: marek.hudon@ulb.be
Louis de Diesbach, PhD Candidate in Business Ethics and Senior Expert in AI Ethics and Governance. Email: louis.de.diesbach.de.belleroche@ulb.be