Public Service Data Challenge Articles
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Trusting the process, trusting the product: how governments can win over the public on AI
Trust in artificial intelligence (AI) may not have been the main issue on which Canada’s federal election was fought earlier this year, but its one that looms as large there as anywhere in the developed world. Like many governments, the Canadian federal public service has been busy preparing for a world in which AI, whether…
Delivery driver: how the Canadian Data/AI Challenge makes data dreams come true
The deadline is approaching for entries into the third Public Service Data/AI Challenge. As public servants are invited to put forward their ideas for how government could make better use of data, Matt Ross explains how the Challenge turns promising ideas into new public services “The Public Service Data Challenge was instrumental in our ability…
Final call as deadline approaches to enter the Canadian Public Service Data and AI Challenge
Update: The deadline for appplications to the 2024-25 Canadian Public Service Data/AI Challenge hass been extended to 24 January. Visit the website to make your submissions now. Canada’s public servants are urged to submit their entries for the 2024-25 Canadian Public Service Data/AI Challenge this week or apply to join a team, as applications close…
From how governments are using AI to how Whitehall works: Global Government Forum’s top webinars of 2024
Global Government Forum’s regular webinars share insight on how governments around the world are tackling a host of policy issues, from the use of AI to how to structure government to deliver modern public services This article rounds up some of Global Government Forum’s (GGF) most popular webinars from 2024. Insight on how governments are…
Judges pick Data Challenge shortlist in hard-fought Canadian semi-final
The shortlist has been announced in Canada’s second Public Service Data Challenge, after judges heard pitches from the nine longlisted teams and selected four to move forward to the final in October. “Choosing four teams to shortlist was extremely difficult. We were highly impressed by the quality of the presentations, all nine of which clearly…
The story of the UK Digital Academy, why good decisions follow good data, and more
Welcome to this month’s Digital and Data Monitor newsletter. This month, we share exclusive insight on the development – and demise – of the UK government’s Digital Academy, as well as expert input on helping good decisions follow good data, and the latest developments in how governments are developing digital ID. Thanks for reading. Please…
Data Challenge serves as an engine of innovation for Canada’s public services
Canada’s Public Service Data Challenge neatly addresses the barriers to innovation in government – drawing great ideas out of the workforce, and pushing the best right through to implementation. In the run-up to its semi-final this week, participants, champions and judges explain the programme and give their tips for victory. In April, Agriculture and Agri-Food…
The battle of the data strategies
When ChatGPT was invited to pick a winner, a session on data strategies took on an unexpectedly competitive tone at the Government Digital Summit. Would the UK or Canada win this strategy slamdown? “Data is owned in all sorts of different places – and if you’re a data owner, the incentives for you to share…
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Public Service Data Challenge Research
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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