Digital transformation isn’t just about deploying new systems — it’s about enabling data to flow, governments to coordinate, and public services to truly deliver.
In this edition of our Monthly Insights, we spotlight five timely developments helping public sector leaders make whole-of-government transformation a reality — from new legislation to global peer learning and practical AI guidance.
🔹 1. The EU Data Act enters into force
The Data Act gives people and businesses the right to access and share data generated by their connected devices - for example, sharing smart device data with a repair shop. It also facilitates switching between cloud providers, helping reduce vendor lock-in.
➡️ Why this matters: “At its core, the EU Data Act tackles interoperability head-on by breaking down legal and technical barriers so that data can move more freely across services and systems. But to truly deliver on its promise, there needs to be strong support for implementation - including clearer standards and practical guidance to help stakeholders put it into action.” – Maksim Ovtsinnikov, Director of Interoperability at Digital Nation
🔹 2. Philippines signs E-Governance Act into law
The new law institutionalises a unified, interoperable, and secure digital government system — designed to streamline processes, reduce red tape, and enhance transparency. By establishing a whole-of-government digital framework, it aims to ensure faster, more efficient delivery of public services to every Filipino, anytime, anywhere. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is tasked with leading the creation and regular updates of the E-Government Master Plan. The Act also addresses key enablers — establishing a unified PMO, strengthening the ICT Academy, and creating a dedicated fund to support cross-agency digital initiatives.
➡️ Why this matters: “This is a strong legal step toward consolidating a one-government approach - where services are end-to-end, data is shared securely, and agencies no longer operate in silos. Importantly, it goes beyond high-level ambition by outlining the responsibilities, institutions, and capacities needed to make that vision real.” – Helena Lepp, Director of Service Transformation at Digital Nation
🔹 3. OECD releases ‘Governing with Artificial Intelligence’
The OECD’s latest report synthesises 200+ government AI use cases across 11 functions. It highlights both the potential of AI to improve services and the structural barriers slowing adoption in government — from legacy systems and skills gaps to limited resources and stricter requirements for transparency and fairness. The report further flags key risks such as bias, privacy violations, over-reliance on algorithms, workforce displacement, digital divides, and weakened public trust.
➡️ Why this matters: “AI can reshape how government works — but only if adoption is intentional. The report makes clear that inaction is itself risky, as it widens the gap between public and private capabilities. To navigate this, governments must build enabling conditions such as governance, data, infrastructure, skills and establish guardrails through laws, standards and oversight, while actively engaging stakeholders.” – Sigrit Siht, Director of Data & AI at Digital Nation
🔹 4. Singapore shares its playbook with the world
Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information has launched a new digital platform to share 30+ tools, frameworks, and strategies that powered their digital government and AI journey - in partnership with the World Bank and UNDP.
➡️ Why this matters: “This is how you scale success - by making real practitioner knowledge open, actionable, and available to peers. It’s a strong example of experience-sharing in practice, and exactly the kind of collaboration that helps others leapfrog. This spirit of peer-to-peer support sits at the heart of how we work at Digital Nation too.” – Siim Sikkut, Managing Partner at Digital Nation
🔹 5. Siim Sikkut shared lessons in Apolitical’s global community
This month, our Managing Partner Siim Sikkut joined Apolitical’s global Excellence in Government Customer Experience community to share practical insights helping leaders navigate complex transformation journeys with confidence.
📢 You still have the chance to join the convo! Head over to Apolitical, join the community for free, and be part of the exchange.