Journal Seventeen Nr. 4

Digital Revolution and its associated technologies, such as AI and mass data science, embody a morality - if only because of their enormous transformative power - that must be taken care of (made responsible) by the ways of ethics and law. 

The digitalization processes started in the Third Industrial Revolution have given way to a technological ecosystem characterized by connectivity, innovation, flexibility and automation. This new ecosystem, which some authors call the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has important consequences for the environment and employment. Consequently, the digital transformation may facilitate or limit the achievement of the goals set out in the Agenda 2030.

Emerging technologies related to the cognitive environment make it possible to create a hybrid ecosystem between the physical and digital spaces in which human activity increasingly takes place. Their ethical structuring and subsequent legal regulation must be carried out bearing in mind their hybrid nature and the dual use of the technologies that support the digital world.

In this paper we present the potential contributions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to sustainable and equitable development that is respectful of human rights, as against its potential risks. We argue how a particular approach to R&D, and by extension to the education of future professionals, could give this technology a decisive role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, we propose the Service-Learning methodology as a pedagogical tool for the education of intelligent technology engineers committed to the 2030 Agenda.