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OECD urges governments to take ‘high-benefit, low-risk’ approach to AI
Governments must prioritise artificial intelligence that delivers the greatest value to citizens at the lowest risk to service outcomes and public trust, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Entitled Governing with Artificial Intelligence: The State of Play and Way Forward in Core Government Functions, the report – published on…
Australia sets out standards for government AI alongside new collaboration tool
Australia’s Digital Transformation Agency has published an AI technical standard for the government, along with ‘GovAI’, a platform designed to foster collaborative use of the technology across departments. The new technical standard – launched on 31 July – sets out technical requirements for AI systems across their full lifecycle, from initial design through to monitoring…
Slick cities: How local authorities are using AI to tackle their most pressing problems
AI offers huge potential for local and city governments to improve services for residents and to make operations more efficient. These public service organisations also often have the agility to move faster than their national counterparts, offering early indicators of success and of challenges. To examine the potential for AI to deliver local services, Global…
Do we need a ‘What Works Centre’ for public sector AI?
Research has identified a need for evidence on AI efficacy and impacts if it is to be used fairly and safely in the public sector and deliver value for money. In this article, the Ada Lovelace Institute’s Imogen Parker argues that a dedicated centre that explores AI’s application in specific areas could be the answer…
UK peers urge tighter AI regulation for transparent and safe adoption in government
A UK peer who has proposed new legislation to regulate the use of artificial intelligence has said that human-centred design and management needs to be placed at the heart of how the technology is used in government. Lord Chris Holmes of Richmond, who has promoted a private members bill seeking to create a new AI…
Professor Sue Black on AI and education, innovation challenge winner tackles major AI barriers, and more
Welcome to this month’s AI Monitor. In this edition, we share insights from the new OECD report on responsible use of AI in government, details of this year’s Isle of Man Innovation Challenge, a summary of where the three main UK political parties stand on AI ahead of the election, and much more. Thanks for…
‘Across the public sector there is a sense of excitement but also worry, and both feelings are justified’: can governments ensure AI is equitable?
Concerns are growing about artificial intelligence and its ability to exacerbate inequalities. Global Government Forum convened a panel of public servants from around the world for a webinar on how governments can use AI in a way that is equitable for all The development of artificial intelligence creates opportunities to automate public sector bureaucracy and…
US and EU launch ‘first sweeping AI agreement’ to strengthen public services and emergency response
The White House and the European Commission have signed an administrative agreement committing each to quickening progress in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with the goal of improving agriculture, healthcare, climate forecasting and emergency response. Described as “the first sweeping AI agreement between the United States and Europe” by a senior US administration official…
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Discover independent research reports, surveys and in-depth studies from Global Government Forum and knowledge partners, exploring the most important issues facing governments and the public sector. Our research provides practical insights and evidence-based recommendations for senior civil servants, policymakers and public sector leaders. Our reports combine exclusive survey data, expert analysis and interviews with government leaders from around the world to help public sector organisations improve performance, inform policy and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
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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