Digital Governance in Practice 2025 – 2026

Digital Governance in Practice 2026 brings together the collective expertise of the e-Governance Academy, grounded in decades of hands-on collaboration with governments across diverse political, cultural, and administrative contexts. Drawing on experience from Bangladesh, Belgium, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Moldova, Spain, Ukraine, and the Western Balkans, this publication distils practical lessons for public leaders navigating the complex transformation toward more innovative, citizen-centred, and resilient governance.

The contributions reflect today’s most pressing public sector priorities: modernising public administration, enhancing accessibility of public services, strengthening cybersecurity, and advancing digital skills within government institutions and across society. Rather than offering abstract theory, the publication provides practitioner-driven insight shaped by implementation in real environments.

The coming decade will be shaped by the integration of artificial intelligence into governance and everyday life. For governments, the central challenge lies not in the mere adoption of new technologies, but in safeguarding transparency, accountability, and democratic oversight in AI-enabled decision-making.

Drawing on Estonia’s pioneering experience in AI deployment, as well as collaboration with municipalities in Germany and Spain, the publication highlights the foundational principles of successful AI adoption to strenghten both government effectiveness and the public interest.

Cybersecurity receives particular attention as a cornerstone of digital society. From protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening legal frameworks, to conducting cyber exercises, advancing cyber diplomacy, and promoting cyber hygiene among citizens, the publication offers strategic perspectives and operational guidance for building national cyber resilience.

In keeping with tradition, the publication also presents an annual overview of eGA’s key achievements, detailed statistical data on operations, and a comprehensive look at the organisation’s impact over the past year.

Digital Governance in Practice 2026 is an invitation to reflect, learn, and act. It offers policymakers, practitioners, and partners a comprehensive view of what it takes to design digital governance systems that are secure, accountable, and future-ready.

To explore these insights in full, download Digital Governance in Practice 2026.

Chief editor and project manager : Anu Vahtra-Hellat
Editor: Liis Linn
Authors: Hannes Astok, Oleg Burba, Mark Erlich, Piret Hirv, Kristiin Jets, Kadi Kanarbik, Kristi Kivilo, Oleksandr Kozlov, Marit Lani, Liis Linn, Merle Maigre, Tõnis Mäe, Elsa Neeme, Katrin Nyman-Metcalf, Marge Oldermann, Mari Pedak, Taimar Peterkop, Federico Plantera, Piret Saartee, Priit Vinkel, Carlos Vargas, Ene Višnev, Rica Williams, Anto Yermakov
Proofreading: Refiner
Design: Dada AD
Photos: Adobe Stock, eGA, Edmond Mäll, Stas Kartashov, Raigo Pajula