A protocol signed in Bologna to foster public participation and democratic governance of AI
IFAB and ENIA – the Italian National Agency for Artificial Intelligence have formalized a strategic agreement to build the first Italian civic-scientific ecosystem dedicated to public participation and democratic evaluation of Artificial Intelligence.
The new partnership aims to integrate advanced expertise in AI, Big Data, and High-Performance Computing (HPC) into digital innovation projects, promoting a human-centered technological growth. Through collaboration among research, industry, and education, IFAB and ENIA intend to develop new service models and local impact initiatives that combine scientific excellence, social responsibility, and active citizen engagement.
At IFAB’s headquarters within the Bologna Technopole, the AI Community Jury will be established — the first civic body dedicated to the analysis, understanding, and public discussion of algorithmic systems.
The agreement is structured around three main operational areas:
- ENIA Horizon Sandbox, a platform for participatory experimentation and evaluation of AI solutions;
- Civic Red Teaming, aimed at testing the transparency, robustness, and non-discrimination of algorithmic systems;
- Algorithmic Literacy Programs, designed for schools, universities, businesses, and citizens to promote an inclusive and responsible AI culture.
A distinctive element of the agreement is the creation of the European Civic Juror for AI, a trained and informed citizen who will take an active role in the activities of the Ethical Chamber, fostering continuous dialogue between technical expertise and democratic participation.
Through this alliance, IFAB and ENIA commit to strengthening human capital and continuous training in digital skills, contributing to the creation of an open and sustainable innovation ecosystem. The shared goal is to generate economic, social, and environmental value, in line with the missions of both institutions: to promote an ethical, transparent, and human-centered artificial intelligence that serves human development.
