The Izertis Foundation is launched to advance knowledge and technology with social impact
Technology consultancy Izertis has unveiled the Izertis Foundation, a new organisation established to put knowledge, innovation capabilities and technological expertise at the service of society. Its mission will be to advance knowledge, innovation and technology as tools for social transformation, promoting research, education, collaboration and equal opportunities.
The announcement was made by Pablo Martín Rodríguez, president and CEO of Izertis, during the event marking the company’s 30th anniversary, held in Gijón before around one hundred representatives from Asturias’ political, economic and social spheres. Other speakers included the Asturian Government’s Deputy Minister for Industry, Juan Carlos Campo; the Mayor of Gijón, Carmen Moriyón; and the President of the Asturian Federation of Entrepreneurs, María Calvo, who highlighted Izertis’ track record as a leading example of growth and international reach within Asturias’ business community.
The launch of the Foundation thus comes at a particularly significant moment for the company, as it marks three decades in business and opens a new avenue for channelling some of its capabilities and knowledge into initiatives that serve the public interest.
“Over these thirty years, we have supported social, cultural, scientific and educational initiatives with technology as their common thread. The Izertis Foundation has been established to give shape and coherence to that commitment and to support worthwhile projects that contribute to society’s progress,” explained Pablo Martín.
The Izertis Foundation will be a Spanish legal entity and will primarily operate throughout Spain, while also being able to promote international initiatives.
Its activities will be organised around four pillars:
- research and knowledge;
- innovation with social impact;
- education and talent development; and
- partnerships with universities, research centres, businesses, public authorities and social organisations.
The Foundation will seek to focus its efforts on specific, useful and measurable projects, in which technology can help address real needs.
At the service of people
One of its main areas of activity will be promoting studies, reports and applied research projects on the effects of technology on society. Topics that may be addressed include health, ageing, new professional skills, the impact of artificial intelligence on employment and education, the digital divide, accessibility and the responsible use of data.
The Izertis Foundation is created to support worthwhile projects that contribute to the progress of society
The Foundation will also promote digital solutions aimed at improving people’s lives in areas such as education, independent living for older people, inclusion and accessibility. The aim will be to participate in initiatives that address clearly defined problems and whose usefulness can be verified.
Education and talent development will be another priority. In this area, it may collaborate on digital skills, training, mentoring and guidance programmes, with a particular focus on young people and groups facing greater barriers to accessing the opportunities created by technological transformation.
The Articles of Association also provide for the promotion of knowledge, education, culture, equal opportunities and sustainability; support for vulnerable groups; the fostering of technological culture and innovative attitudes; and the development of research, training and institutional collaboration projects.
Establishment of the Board of Trustees
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees is chaired by Helena Ríos Oostendorp and its other members are Cristina Tuero, Deputy Chair; Lourdes Argüelles; Isabel Lozano; and Miguel Ángel Acero. Irene Sáenz de Santamaría will serve as the Foundation’s Secretary and Carla Carrio as Deputy Secretary. The Board will be responsible for the Foundation’s governance, administration and representation, as well as determining its action plans and selecting the initiatives that best fulfil its purposes.
The Izertis Foundation will take a selective approach to its activities. Each project must remain directly connected to its mission, address a demonstrated social need, make a distinctive contribution and define in advance the expected outcomes and the indicators against which its impact will be assessed.
Its identity will be shaped by the quality of the knowledge it generates, the talent it helps to develop and its ability to drive tangible change. Through this approach, the Foundation aims to apply technology and knowledge to real problems, facilitate access to new opportunities and help ensure that technological advances have a positive impact on society.