Digital Government podcast e-Governance Academy

Some terms in the public discourse, despite filled with meaning and relevant concepts, somehow happen to not really take hold. The green transition, a necessity of our times to address, still it’s something that – here and there – could truly benefit from more support. That support can come from citizens, enabled to participate in more democratic decision-making processes, and from digital tools too, that favour and streamline such participation.
All in all, the end is still to achieve more inclusive and prosperous societies – which means, sustainable too. Kristina Reinsalu is a Senior Expert on Governance and Engagement at eGA, while Fabro Steibel is Executive Director of the Institute for Technology & Society (Brazil). In this intro episode to the e-Governance Conference 2024, we discuss how synergising digital and green transformations can supply more solutions to tackle pressing environmental problems. 

Service design remains in focus at the e-Governance Conference – this year hosting a keynote by the former Director of Design for the UK Government, Lou Downe. The founder also of the School of Good Services, a design and consulting practice that resulted from the wide reach of their design principles, and the book ‘Good Services: How to Design Services that Work’.
A start in the arts, the switch to service design. To then set such standards and practices to create a community of designers committed to making good services. Many interesting things to unpack, in this introductory episode of the Digital Government Podcast. From the essence of services, through designing them all, to fostering a culture of innovation across government – dive in.

Interested in getting more insights into good service design? Join us at the e-Governance Conference on 22-23 May 2024! Check the programme and get your tickets at egovconference.ee
 

The European Union's AI Act is an initiative aimed at regulating the field of artificial intelligence. On Wednesday, March 13, the Parliament approved the regulation. It seeks to establish a legal framework for the use of AI, but also to position the EU at the forefront of global digital governance – at least on this aspect, and in this regard. 
The approach is comprehensive, touching on a wide spectrum of applications, from low-risk to high-risk categories, tailoring regulatory requirements accordingly. Katrin Nyman-Metcalf, Adjunct Professor at TalTech and Associated Expert for e-Governance Academy, guides us through propositions and principles of the AI Act, and how the EU plans to move toward ensuring a thoughtful and ethical use of artificial intelligence. This podcast episode was recorded shortly previous to the approval of the EU AI Act.
The EU AI Act – principles, features, mission
“This is one of the first legal attempts by the EU to harmonise AI regulation across member states and protect against negative effects. The EU AI Act introduces a risk categorisation for AI, dividing it into categories based on the level of risk each poses. This approach dictates the level of regulation needed, focusing on what the technology does – rather than prescribing specific uses. It's a general but effective method to ensure that AI development aligns with European values and standards. But it's also a measure to protect consumers, users, people,” Nyman-Metcalf begins with.
The categorisation of AI systems into risk profiles is crucial here – in a range that goes from ‘minimal’ to ‘unacceptable’ risk. This risk-based approach allows for a regulatory framework that is fairly nuanced and can adapt to the diverse applications of AI, from consumer products to critical infrastructure. At the heart of the EU AI Act, after all, lies the ambition to safeguard European values and consumer rights while fostering a good environment for innovation. Thus, the Act's dual focus: preventing fragmentation of AI regulations among member states and ensuring user and consumer protection. With an eye on the EU’s internal market dynamics, and one on its global competitiveness.
Moreover, the establishment of an EU AI office is expected to guide member states on the matter. “The EU AI office is set to play a coordinating role, not just overseeing regulation at the member state level but also facilitating dialogue with the industry and civil society. This approach, more proactive than previous initiatives like GDPR, aims to involve all relevant stakeholders from the outset, ensuring that the AI Act is shaped by a wide range of insights and concerns,” Nyman-Metcalf explains.

* this podcast episode has been recorded shortly previous to the approval of the EU AI Act

Ukraine's journey towards digital transformation has been marked by significant achievements, notably through the development and implementation of Trembita, the nation’s data exchange layer, and the Diia app. These tools have revolutionised the way citizens interact with government services, making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible.
Zooming out, though, the context and circumstances within which this rapid development took place would make most of us go red. If there’s one – next to many more – story of unlocking digital success while taking a big leap among extreme hardships, digital transformation in Ukraine then ranks high on this chart.
Illya Rodin is the Chief Solutions Architect at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. Oleh Burba is Component Leader of the EU4DigitalUA project and Senior Expert in Digital Architecture at e-Governance Academy. In this three-voice episode of the Digital Government Podcast, we delve into how Trembita and Diia complement each other, to provide Ukrainians with easy access to an ever-growing number of digital services. Tune in!

We find ourselves often saying that it is people, rather than technological tools, that make the digital transformation successful and effective. That holds true for what concerns listening to the needs of users, taking invaluable feedback, and returning to citizens with solutions that do actually fit their asks and necessities.
That holds true as well, though, when applied to managing teams, and leading them to goals set in plans and strategies. Public service delivery makes no exception in this sense – the essence of digital leadership lies as much in driving things forward, as in enabling teams to do that most organically.
Ingrid Toonekurg, recently appointed as a Member of the Management Board of e-Governance Academy, is no stranger to such practices. After years in sales management at large IT companies and a wealth of international experience, she joins eGA – and this podcast episode – to delve into the determinants of successful team management. In digital transformation too, indeed, listening to your team can be as valuable as listening to your end-users.

The e-Governance Conference reaches its tenth edition. In 2024, we mark a decade of digital dialogues – ten years through which topics and participants have become increasingly diverse, and the Conference established itself as a key appointment for practitioners worldwide.
This year, we invite you to unlock the secrets and key enablers of successful digital transformation. “Digital success leads to aware and competent societies that enjoy prosperity and openness. It involves a journey of continuous learning, committed national initiative, a systematic approach to the advancement of governance and regulations, smart technologies, enlightened leaders, and a competent community,” points out Kristina Mänd, Senior Expert at the e-Governance Academy and Programme Director of the 2024 Conference.
People and their skills, modern technologies and their strategic selection, systematic processes and governance – all foundational elements to achieving digital success. In this podcast episode, Mänd highlights the core themes and speakers of this year’s Conference edition. And how we all deserve a moment to celebrate and acknowledge digital success, to move forward more conscious of our own strengths and capabilities.