Ecolab, the innovation laboratory at the service of ecological transition
The Ecolab of CGDD, an innovation laboratory at the service of ecological transition, is an entity of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forest, Sea, and Fisheries.
About us
Ecolab, the laboratory of innovation at the service of ecological transition falls under the General Commissioner for Sustainable Development (CGDD). The CGDD, an inter-ministerial actor and cross-departmental direction of the ministry in charge of ecological transition, enlightens and feeds, through the production of data and analyses, the action of the ministry. It proposes an overall vision of environmental issues.
The service of research and innovation contributes, in conjunction with the ministries responsible for research and businesses, to guide the national policy of research and innovation regarding environment, planning, transportation, and energy. It animates the scientific and technical network of the ministry and oversees four major institutions: Météo-France, the IGN, the Gustave Eiffel University and the Cerema.
Animation of the greentech ecosystem
Within it, Ecolab is responsible for animating the greentech ecosystem and mobilizing data and artificial intelligence in the service of ecological, energy transitions and Green Nation France.
The animation of the French greentech ecosystem is carried out with the support of the detection and support of start-ups and SMEs with innovative solutions, capable of accelerating ecological transition. A call for expressions of interest is open each year to these companies. 290 start-ups and SMEs are labeled by the State through the initiative Greentech Innovation.
The National Network of Greentech Incubators brings together public and private structures that share this commitment.
The role of the ministerial data administrator, algorithms, and source codes for the CGDD
Ecolab performs the role of ministerial data administrator, algorithms, and source codes on behalf of the CGDD with the objective of creating and mobilizing quality data while also offering better access to data for territories, businesses, and citizens. For this, it relies on (cf. dedicated roadmap). Moreover, in order to make these the general principles of data quality more accessible, we have developed an educational support aimed at the ministry’s staff.
Ecolab supports the skills development of the ministry’s team regarding data. Also, it collaborates with PIX to offer a brand new skills assessment pathway in 2024 related to “Data in the public sphere” (Searching for and producing quality data; Opening, sharing, protecting data; Using data for public policies). Another example, it offers all ministry staff a series of webinars on the Data Culture (“Why do we talk about data?”; “AI within the ministry team”, …) or collaborates with the association OpenDataFrance on the Culture D project to allow the greatest number of people to become familiarized, equipped, and develop their power to act around data.
We support and incubate projects utilizing data
Hosting of the National Council for Geolocated Information
Ecolab hosts the National Council for Geolocated Information (CNIG), a consultative body that brings together the actors that make up the geodata ecosystem in France: ministries, public institutions, local authorities, private companies, professional associations, trade unions, citizen associations, who can meet, decide, and co-produce together.
The CNIG is responsible for geolocated data for the government.
ECOLAB and frugal artificial intelligence
Regarding the AI, Ecolab establishes an adapted governance within the ministry and generalizes its use in the service of ecological transition when pertinent. The “AI Demonstrator in the Territories” project (DIAT) enables the emergence of AI applications that serve the objectives of decarbonization, ecological and energy transition of territories, the primary actors of these objectives, in the framework of the AI roadmap of the ministry. Aligning with the strategic directions provided by the roadmap, Ecolab also offers support to the ministry for the development of projects around data and AI, of which the tools of the Knowledge Mission are examples in decentralized services.
Order of July 13, 2023 modifying the order of July 9, 2008 relating to the organization of the central administration of the ministries responsible for ecological transition, cohesion of territories and the sea
(Excerpt)
Article 3.1
The service of research and innovation includes:
– the sub-directorate of research;
– an innovation laboratory through data and entrepreneurship called Ecolab;
– the sub-directorate of scientific and technical animation.
Article 3
Article 3.1.2 of the same order is replaced by the following provisions:
« Art. 3.1.2.-The Ecolab innovation laboratory promotes innovation as an accelerator of ecological transformation:
«-in terms of ministerial data administration, algorithms, and source codes, and for the development of uses and the valuation of public data;
«-by animating the French “Greentech” ecosystem which includes start-ups, small and medium enterprises, and incubators, in connection with the ministry in charge of the economy and the French Tech mission. It is responsible for the State label “Greentech Innovation”. It supports the public purchase of these innovations by local authorities and other public actors.
« It incubates innovative projects and supports experiments, in support of the ministry’s services.
« It prepares and coordinates the actions of the ministerial data administrator, algorithms, and source codes. It deploys the knowledge mission in connection with decentralized services, the general secretariat, and the general directorates of the ministry.
« It develops the geographic information policy, in connection with the other ministerial departments, ensures the secretariat of the National Council of Geolocated Information. It promotes the dissemination of geographic information to local authorities and other State administrations.
« It assists the head of the research and innovation service in his functions as the national contact point for the European directive Inspire. »