They identify four recurring themes:

1. Successful AI programs begin by understanding the problem, not the tool.
2. Adoption, productivity, and ROI depend on training your people and bringing them with you.
3. Radical transparency and giving citizens control earn public trust.
4. Standardized governance, built for scale, doesn’t block innovation; it operationalizes it.

Sheena and Thomas also provide a taste of the insights their guests shared under each theme. For more detail, dive into the other episodes.

This is the eighth episode of AI Pioneers, a miniseries featuring speakers from pioneering government organizations identified in EY data and AI reports. Listen in for practical lessons from peers who have successfully moved from ambition to impact – scaling AI to transform their organizations and how they serve citizens.  22 mins

• Less than half of government employees are seeing productivity benefits from AI, compared with over three quarters of employees in financial services.
• Skills are twice as effective as tools or mindset in helping employees realize productivity benefits from AI.
• The more training people do, the bigger the gains.

The discussion also covers the importance of change management. Josie cautions that while government should be ambitious about AI’s potential, moving fast without addressing employee concerns risks leaving people behind.

This is the seventh episode of AI Pioneers, a miniseries featuring insights from pioneering government organizations identified in EY data and AI reports. Listen in for practical lessons from peers who have successfully moved from ambition to impact – scaling AI to transform their organizations and how they serve citizens. 18 mins

In this episode, Chief Information and Technology Officer Achille Lerpenière tells Sheena Thompson, EY Government and Infrastructure AI Co-leader, how a hybrid operating model enabled this success. Encouraging employees to try out the technologies, rather than mandating their use, also built skills and trust. With Île-de-France now considering tools for governing and securing agentic AI, Achille highlights the need to prepare for what’s coming next – including new risks from quantum computing.

This is the sixth episode of AI Pioneers, a miniseries featuring speakers from pioneering government organizations identified in EY data and AI reports. Listen in for practical lessons from peers who have successfully moved from ambition to impact – scaling AI to transform their organizations and how they serve citizens.  14 mins

As Chief Information Officer Rich Gagnon tells Sheena Thompson, EY Government and Infrastructure AI Co-leader, a key solution was creating a GenAI concierge, Emma, to handle website requests. But with a large multilingual population, and low initial levels of digital literacy, trust had to come first. That’s why establishing a clear digital dignity, privacy and transparency agenda, and co-designing and testing the tool with residents, were foundational steps.

Today, Emma reflects the language needs and usage preferences of the community while handling around a third of all service requests and deferring around US$1.8m a year in call-center hiring.

This is the fifth episode of AI Pioneers, a miniseries featuring speakers from pioneering government organizations identified in EY data and AI reports. Listen in for practical lessons from peers who have successfully moved from ambition to impact – scaling AI to transform their organizations and how they serve citizens.  17 mins

The conversation also covers the ethical implications of LLMs that are trained on data informed by local cultural norms. And Laura shares her aim of using AI to make the experience of government more human.

This is the fourth episode of AI Pioneers, a miniseries featuring speakers from pioneering government organizations identified in EY’s data and AI reports. Listen in for practical lessons from peers who have successfully moved from ambition to impact – scaling AI to transform their organizations and how they serve citizens. 20 mins

Carl Scholtz, Deputy Commissioner, Strategy Enablement and Modernisation at SARS, tells Thomas Erwin, EY Global Government and Infrastructure Co-leader, how his organization designs digital services so that “tax just happens”. It also combines experimentation with world-leading governance and an ethical-by-design approach – for example, testing AI bot responses for relevance rather than deterministic consistency. The North Star: making sure taxpayers and employees have a great experience.

This is the third episode of AI Pioneers, a miniseries featuring speakers from pioneering government organizations identified in EY’s data and AI reports. Listen in for practical lessons from peers who have successfully moved from ambition to impact – scaling AI to transform their organizations and how they serve citizens. 26 mins

As she tells Thomas Erwin, EY Global Government and Infrastructure AI Co-leader, hosting the organization’s GenAI platform on a government-approved cloud was key, as was democratizing access and skills. Codesigning the tool with important stakeholders and continually gathering their feedback gained buy-in. And automating the process of making documents machine-readable saved many hours of manual effort.

In future, Shen Hwee believes AI technologies will not only make governments more efficient but also allow them to collaborate more dynamically – across departments, agencies and borders.

This is the second episode of AI Pioneers, a miniseries featuring speakers from pioneering government organizations identified in EY’s data and AI reports. Listen in for practical lessons from peers who have successfully moved from ambition to impact – scaling AI to transform their organizations and how they serve citizens. 16 mins

In this episode, Ott Velsberg, Estonia’s Government Chief Data Officer, explains how mandatory training, role-specific competencies and positioning AI as a productivity tool have normalized its use across the public sector. He tells Thomas Erwin, EY Government and Infrastructure AI Co-leader, how the government has put real-world experimentation before drafting policy and reformed AI funding to support testing hypotheses, not delivering outcomes. And he sets out how being transparent about how data is used and algorithms work can help build citizen trust.

This is the first in a miniseries featuring speakers from pioneering government organizations.  22 mins

Joining host Tim Smith are Jessica Chamba, EY Global Human Services Leader, and Safia Rahemtulla, the EY Partner who leads Risk Consulting for Canada's Government and Public Sector practice. To build trust, they suggest governments involve citizens in decision-making, communicate progress clearly and think carefully about what they spend, and with whom, to deliver on their mandate.

Government Risk Radar is a mini-series that provides professional insights and practical strategies to help government and public sector leaders tackle an evolving risk landscape. It accompanies the EY report on the top 10 risks for the sector in 2025, which you can download as a PDF or listen to in audio format here. 24 mins

The challenges and opportunities this poses are the focus of this episode. Joining host Tim Smith are Dr. Matthew Bell, EY Global Leader of Climate Change and Sustainability Services, and Ruth Ahchow, EY Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader for the Government and Public Sector.

Their discussion includes the benefits of closer working with the private sector, why government policies need to be long term and predictable, and the wide-reaching positive outcomes of decarbonizing fast for economies, communities and the environment. 

Government Risk Radar is a mini-series that provides expert insights and practical strategies to help government and public sector leaders tackle an evolving risk landscape. It accompanies the EY report on the top 10 risks for the sector in 2025, which you can download as a PDF or listen to in audio format here. 16 mins

That’s the question Permenthri Pillay, Partner, Business Consulting, EY Australia, and EY Regional Digital Government Leader, Oceania, and Thomas Erwin, EY EMEIA AI & Data Leader, address in this episode. They tell host Tim Smith about the complexities of digitalization for governments and the risks of falling behind. They also share positive examples of artificial intelligence (AI) governance and collaboration, and explain why, with budgets and workforces shrinking, investing in digital infrastructure is governments’ best bet.

Government Risk Radar is a mini-series that provides professional insights and practical strategies to help government and public sector leaders tackle an evolving risk landscape. It accompanies the EY report on the top 10 risks for the sector in 2025, which you can download as a PDF or listen to in audio format here. 22 mins

How governments can help address these impacts is the topic of discussion in this episode, hosted by Tim Smith. Rosalin Acosta, National Practice Leader for Labor and Workforce Development, Ernst & Young LLP, and Dr. Carlo Chiattelli PhD, EY People Consulting Leader for EU Institutions, share insights from their geographies. They also discuss how aligning education better with workforce opportunities, as well as with artificial intelligence (AI), could help governments close the gap between supply and demand for labor.

Government Risk Radar is a mini-series that provides expert insights and practical strategies to help government and public sector leaders tackle an evolving risk landscape. It accompanies the EY report on the top 10 risks for the sector in 2025, which you can download as a PDF or listen to in audio format here. 24 mins

They discuss the factors driving the current complexities and the unique role of governments as they both act in, and are affected by, that environment. They also suggest strategies for mitigating cyber and supply chain risk while encouraging future investment. And Oliver explains why, when it comes to sustainability, geopolitics could keep driving change for the better.

Government Risk Radar is a mini-series that provides expert insights and practical strategies to help government and public sector leaders tackle an evolving risk landscape. It accompanies the EY report on the top 10 risks for the sector in 2025, which you can download as a PDF or listen to in audio format here. 17 mins

That’s the big message of this episode, in which Mark MacDonald, EY Global Public Finance Management Leader, and Gregory Daco, EY-Parthenon Chief Economist, Ernst & Young LLP, discuss all things public money with host Tim Smith. You’ll also learn the three supply-side factors governments should focus on, and when increasing spending could be more effective than making cuts.

Government Risk Radar is a mini-series that provides expert insights and practical strategies to help government and public sector leaders tackle an evolving risk landscape. It accompanies the EY report on the top 10 risks for the sector in 2025, which you can download as a PDF or listen to in audio format here. 17 mins 

Their conversation covers everything from the first ever chatbot to why the future will be humans, AI and robots collaborating to solve society’s challenges. For governments, they recommend taking a “thinking fast and slow” approach. Fast: Get the basics right and experiment. And slow: Envision a future and plan how you’ll get there.

This is the first of three episodes in which Naveen and colleagues explore fast-changing AI technologies and how they could impact people in business and society. It’s part of the AI in Government mini-series, where government and public sector innovators dive into the transformative potential of AI in the public sector. Listen in to discover the possibilities AI offers for a better, more connected society. 20 mins

In this episode, EY Technology Consulting Partner Dr Naveen Thomas PhD and Alex Bennett, EY EMEIA Microsoft and AI Leader, tell host Tim Smith how people are currently using AI at work. They also discuss the role of muscle memory and the need for government organizations to build confidence and boost engagement through "disciplined freedom," hyperpersonalized communication and role modeling.

This is the second of three episodes in which Naveen and colleagues explore fast-changing AI technologies and how they could impact people in business and society. It’s part of the AI in Government mini-series, where government and public sector innovators dive into the transformative potential of AI in the public sector. Listen in to discover the possibilities AI offers for a better, more connected society. 19 mins

That’s the main takeaway from this fascinating conversation between EY Technology Consulting Partner Dr Naveen Thomas PhD and Neil Bacon, EY Partner and Business Development Leader. In it, they share their insights, hopes and fears with host Tim Smith, and suggest action for governments to take.

This is the third of three episodes in which Naveen and colleagues explore fast-changing AI technologies and how they could impact people in business and society. It’s part of the AI in Government mini-series, where government and public sector innovators dive into the transformative potential of AI in the public sector. Listen in to discover the possibilities AI offers for a better, more connected society. 21 mins

In this episode, Kiren Kumar, Deputy CEO of Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), shares three steps to building such an ecosystem. He also gives examples of how the IMDA implements these steps, including by pre-approving AI solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Manik Bhandari, EY Partner and AI and Data Leader for ASEAN, joins Kiren for this enlightening conversation. The big takeaway: Just get started and grasp the opportunities of AI. These technologies are going to be a huge augmentation to companies if they play it right. But if they don't start playing at all, they will be disrupted.

In the AI in Government mini-series, government and public sector innovators dive into the transformative potential of AI in the public sector. Listen in to discover the possibilities AI offers for a better, more connected society.  19 mins

Join Mitra Taheri, a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and Chief Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Lab and Amy Jones, the US Public Sector AI Lead for Ernst & Young LLP as they talk about the need for governments to encourage the widespread use of AI, as safely as possible, so innovation can flourish. 17 mins

Discussing this crucial topic with host Tim Smith is David Shrier, a futurist and Professor of Practice, AI & Innovation at Imperial College London. Also joining is Jeff Saviano, EY Global Emerging Technology, Strategy & Governance Leader and an appointed associate at Harvard University’s Safra Ethics Centre. 20 mins

Discussing AI’s history, current use and future potential with host Tim Smith is Rajiv Peter, CIO at the housing association Notting Hill Genesis. EY LLP Technology Consulting Partner Naveen Thomas also shares his insights. 17 mins

Discussing this innovative solution with host Tim Smith are Victoria Louvet, Senior Product Owner and Project Manager at EY Fabernovel, and Jessica Chamba, EY Global Human Services Leader. 14 mins

Joining host Tim Smith for the discussion are Karl Hoods CBE, a Group Chief Digital and Information Officer for the UK government, and Sheena Thompson, EY UK&I Digital and Emerging Technology Leader. 16 mins

In this episode, EY’s Shalinder Bakshi and Pooja Warier Hamilton from Apolitical discuss the workforce challenges facing public sector organizations with host Tim Smith. They also share why identifying and developing core skills sets is crucial, along with allocating resources to goals and driving a culture of ongoing learning. 13 mins

In this episode, we look at how data-driven tech can help local governments prevent issues like homelessness, not pay for them. Joining host Tim Smith for the discussion are John Littlemore of Maidstone Borough Council, Alex Butler of Citizens Advice and EY’s Helen Sunderland and Neil Sartorio. 13 mins

In this episode, we consider the role of innovation in helping governments tackle the high demand for, and cost of, infrastructure projects. Joining host Tim Smith for the discussion are EY’s Jonas Groes and Chris Lewis, and Mikkel Hemmingsen, CEO of the Danish state-owned company Sund and Baelt.  13 mins

In this, the first episode of the series, our host Tim Smith leads a discussion on efficient grant allocation with Steve Fussell, who was Chief Administrator, Office of Organizational Excellence, Seminole County Government in Florida, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Amy Fenstermacher, EY Americas Grants and Relief Funds Management Leader.  14 mins.

In the second episode of the series, host Tim Smith talks outcomes with Michael Cooper, Senior Civil Servant, and Head of Defra’s Group Grants Hub, and Matt Wilson, EY EMEIA Grants and Relief Funds Management Leader.  14 mins    

In this episode Tim discusses how to address such complexity with Dr. Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Director and Executive Coordinator of Environmental Finance at the United Nations Development Programme, Maryam Hussain, EY International Fraud and Corruption Investigator, and Simon Inglis, Leader of the EY Grants and Relief Funding Management Team. 16 mins

In our fourth episode of the series, host Tim Smith talks about how to harness the indisputable power of technology to improve grant management, with his guests Andrea Sampanis, Solutions and Services Lead, Grants Quality Service Management Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Amy Fenstermacher, EY Americas Grants and Relief Funds Management Leader. 19 mins

In this episode the Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, tells Meghan Mills how averting “Day Zero” led to a new strategy for water resilience. 16 mins

In the seventh episode of The City Citizen, Heather Taylor, CFO and Treasurer for the City of Toronto, talks to Meghan Mills about making sure her budget gets results. 14 mins

With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful surroundings and thriving industries, Port of Spain has a lot to offer. But even in idyllic locations like Trinidad and Tobago, capital cities have challenges to address - including how to transition to a smart, sustainable future.

Mayor, Joel Martinez describes how he’s rejuvenating the city by building on its strengths and increasing civic pride. 10 mins

For the last couple of decades, Warsaw has been facing challenges common to cities of its size, from climate change to social inclusion. More recently, its physical and cultural closeness to Ukraine has also put it on the front line of a migration crisis.

In this episode, the Deputy Mayor of Warsaw, Michał Olszewski, explains the initiatives used to tackle these challenges. 12 mins

Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix, talks to Meghan Mills about Phoenix’s journey to become the most sustainable desert city in the US. 15 mins

With preparations underway for 2032 we are joined by Adrian Schrinner, Lord Mayor of Brisbane and John Kimlin, EY Partner, Oceania, Government and Health. 22 mins

In this fascinating discussion we talk to two people brought together by the transformation of one city. The first is Peter Danielsson, (former) Major of Helsingborg, Sweden. The second, Gerald Babel-Sutter, is co-founder and CEO of Urban Future.  17 mins

Sharing their vision for a city where people and the natural world thrive together we talk to Asli Pasinli, CEO of The World Wildlife Fund in Turkey and Mehmet Gulez, former Innovation and Markets Leader for EY Turkey.  15 mins