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Hidden challenges and strategies for success: How governments are developing their digital bench strength
The second in a series of extracts from Global Government Forum’s new study on future-proofing digital capability examines how governments are bolstering their technical bench strength, from apprenticeships and innovation fellowships to employee value propositions Governments need to move from reactive hiring to deliberate shaping of the technical workforce, according to a new study from…
Transformation loading: leaders share insights on unlocking the power of data and AI in government
If governments are to modernise and meet public demands, they must embrace data and AI to make efficiencies, produce more informed public policy and deliver improved services for citizens. So, what’s standing in the way? And what can success stories teach us about the road to future government? Data and artificial intelligence is increasingly central…
The uncomfortable truths around transformation in government – and how to address them
Government transformation is a key priority but long-standing challenges persist. During a roundtable supported by Rainmaker, held at Global Government Forum’s Innovation 2026 conference, senior civil servants discussed the importance of aligning incentives and what good leadership looks like The UK government is focused on driving what prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has called a…
Why governments must ‘grab the nettle’ on digital capability
The first in a series of extracts from Global Government Forum’s new study on future-proofing digital capability examines why governments need a clearer picture of the people, skills and suppliers that underpin digital delivery Governments need to move from a reactive, siloed approach to managing digital capability in a system-wide way, according to a new…
Unlocking potential: how the Government of Canada is working to optimise its data assets
Governments around the world are struggling to make the most of their data. During a Global Government Forum webinar, Canadian public service leaders discussed the importance of data mapping, stewardship, and why bringing data strategies to life requires added ingredients Data is one of governments’ greatest assets for improving citizens’ experience of public services, but…
Checks and balances: how to deploy responsible AI in government
Key to governments using artificial intelligence effectively is designing and implementing the appropriate guardrails so that its outputs are safe, fair and explainable. During this webinar, experts in Canada set out how to drive the adoption of AI in government, with responsible use front of mind Governments working to implement artificial intelligence to reduce administrative…
Overcoming barriers to AI to unleash transformation in government
Many governments around the world are working to take full advantage of artificial intelligence to streamline their operations and better serve citizens – but too often legacy IT systems and other barriers get in the way. At a roundtable supported by Thoughtworks and held at Global Government Forum’s Innovation 2026 conference, public sector leaders discussed…
Future of the finance ministry: The battle for talent and trust
A global study of government finance leaders has revealed shared priorities and challenges in an era of unpredictable geopolitics and rapid digital transformation. The Future of the Finance Ministry study – published by Global Government Forum and sister title Global Government Finance – is based on interviews with 10 senior leaders from finance ministries around the world. The interviews…
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Empowering Public Servants to Make Confident, Informed Decisions with Data and AI
Governments around the world are working hard to extract – and act upon – the insights held in their vast data stores, and to embrace AI and the promise it holds for innovation and transformation. At the same time, economic pressures and constrained budgets are compelling public servants to do more with fewer resources, while governments are called to respond quickly and effectively to complex challenges.
Against this backdrop, data and AI can help those working in government both to streamline their workflows and make fast, informed decisions. This in turn drives efficiency and can unlock productivity gains – and ultimately lead to improved performance and better services for citizens.
Global Government Forum surveyed over 600 civil servants worldwide to understand how data and AI are being used in government decision-making and where there are further challenges and opportunities.
Read this report for insight into how governments are using data and AI in decision-making today and the potential for the future; the major challenges to using data and AI in decision-making and how to overcome them; and how AI agents can be used in decision-making.
The report includes examples of data and AI in decision-making from countries including the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Singapore, the US, and more.
(Published September 2025)
Making Government Work: Five Pillars of a Modern, Effective Civil Service
Around the world, governments are dealing with substantial challenges – from economic stagnation to the transition to net zero, military conflicts and cyber threats. Governments are also grappling with shifting geopolitics and the rise of populism – and all of these factors are set against the emergence of new technologies, including generative AI, which have the potential to fundamentally transform every aspect of society, but which also pose huge ethical, security and regulatory questions for the public sector.
The Making Government Work: Five pillars of a modern, effective civil service report was undertaken to help identify the key characteristics needed in a modern public service, with priorities ranging across leadership, digital service delivery, workforce development, cross-departmental integration, and citizen trust.
This report has been covered by publications around the world including the Financial Times, BBC Radio 4’s PM programme, Ottawa Citizen, Fed Manager, the Mandarin and the i newspaper.
(Published August 2024)
The Future of the Finance Ministry
From setting tax rates and financial regulations that create the ground rules for national economies, to allocating – and tracking – spending for public services, finance ministries occupy an essential role at the centre of government. Geopolitical crises have reinforced the importance of finance ministries, as they tackle both immediate shocks and long-term trends such as ageing populations, the digital transition, and the impact of moves to net zero.
Against this backdrop, this global research explores what the future finance ministry looks like and how to prepare for it.
Based on interviews with 10 senior leaders from finance ministries – led by John McCarthy, chief economist in Ireland’s Department of Finance, working with Ian Hall, editor, Global Government Finance, and Richard Johnstone, executive editor, Global Government Forum – the study identifies four key themes: the evolving role of the finance ministry in response to uncertainty; the shift to more flexible finance systems that support outcomes; digital transformation and the growth of AI; and the battle for talent and trust.
(Published May 2026)
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