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Quebec research chair on French-language artificial intelligence and digital technologies

The future of the French language depends on its presence, use, and transmission through a plethora of digital resources and content. This is the observation at the core of the Quebec research chair on French-language artificial intelligence and digital technologies and its work. 

Holders

Jonathan Roberge, Destiny Tchehouali

Background

The ability to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that reflect a distinct culture, language, and institutions is an issue of both digital and cultural sovereignty for French speakers within and outside Quebec. 

These observations raise a series of vital questions, including:  

  1. How can Quebec ensure that it plays a part, or perhaps even a global leadership role, in responsible AI development?  
  1. How can this type of technological and scientific development be approached more broadly, using multidisciplinary perspectives in the humanities and social sciences?  
  1. What can help the various stakeholders, partners, and politicians become better equipped to face the challenges and issues involved in the implementation of French-language artificial intelligence and digital technology in Quebec? 

Objectives

The research program has three main components:  

  1. Study the local technological and scientific AI ecosystem and seek to understand both the dynamics of innovation and the expectations of researchers and the general public. 
  1. Explore the socio-cultural issues surrounding the discoverability of French-language content, from production and distribution to consumption.  
  1. Analyze governance, regulations, and the future of public policy by examining the different frameworks for “AI-ification” situations. What can be done to ensure that the use of these technologies, both in government and in society at large, is suitable for the French language, culture, and institutions?  

The Chair is part of a broad network of over twenty partners. As such, it is uniquely equipped to collaborate and harness knowledge with high added value for Quebec and its ability to envisage a future in French.