Obvia and the Collectif Numérique Responsable et Soutenable (NRS) today announce the official launch of the Carte du numérique responsable au Québec, a groundbreaking initiative to map organizations, companies, institutions, and projects committed to driving an ethical, ecological, and socially just digital transformation.
A first in North America, this interactive map finally brings visibility and recognition to an innovative yet often overlooked ecosystem, while fostering networking, partnership development, and the emergence of more sustainable digital practices.
A strategic tool to accelerate the responsible digital transition
Conceived as a living and collaborative directory, the map pursues four main objectives:
- Showcase committed actors (non-profits, businesses, institutions, collectives, etc.)
- Foster collaboration and synergies within the ecosystem
- Encourage capacity building across public, community, and private sectors
- Influence public policy by demonstrating the breadth of existing engagement
« the social and environmental impacts of digital technologies intensify, it becomes essential to document and support those who are paving another way: a digital transformation that serves the common good,» said François Burra, co-founder of the Responsible and Sustainable Digital Collective.
A response to an urgent and concrete need
The growing ecological footprint of digital technologies, algorithmic bias, the digital divide, and widespread surveillance all make the transformation of our technological practices an urgent necessity. Yet Quebec is home to many exemplary initiatives — the challenge was to make them visible and connected.
« This map is much more than a simple directory. It is a lever for rethinking society, for democratizing knowledge and practices, and for collectively building a more equitable digital future » emphasized Karine Gentelet, Scientific Director for Civil Society Collaboration at OBVIA.
The map is now available online, open to all, and will evolve through community contributions. Organizations wishing to be included can submit their profile via a dedicated form.
This initiative is made possible thanks to the support and participation of several committed partners, including Sustainability in the Digital Age (SDA) and Future Earth Canada, Masse Critique, l’Institut d’Écohérence, le CIRAIG, IVADO, Insertech, Numana, Votepour.ca and TÉLUQ.
About the Responsible Digital Collective
The Responsible and Sustainable Digital Collective (NRS) is a citizen-led group born of a desire to transform digital practices in Quebec by making them more ethical, sustainable, and inclusive. The Collective acts as a catalyst for systemic change by creating tools, resources, and spaces for dialogue.
About Obvia
Obvia — the International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of AI and Digital Technology — is an open research network that brings together the expertise of more than 260 researchers across the social sciences and humanities, science and engineering, and health. Its mission is to identify the societal issues raised by artificial intelligence and digital technologies and to contribute to solutions that place living beings and the biosphere at the center of their development and use.
Media inquiries:
Alyssa Boily Simard or Valérie Vedrines at projet.cartographie.collective@gmail.com
