Estonia: 100% digital and 0% bureaucrazy

Join us in celebrating Estonia's remarkable achievement of full digitalization of all public services, including divorce, marking a new era of 0% bureaucracy. This episode features discussions with influential leaders like Priit Kongo, Siim Sikkut, and Luukas Ilves, who share insights on the digital transformation that has positioned Estonia as a global leader in governmental efficiency. Tune in to hear how these changes are enhancing public service and setting the stage for future innovations. 

This time we uncover how Estonia, the world's leading digital society, is transforming government and business operations through innovative technologies. In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of the real-time economy—a game-changing initiative that Estonia is leading to reduce the administrative burdens on entrepreneurs and enable more immediate business transactions. Additionally, we examine the impact of Estonia’s e-Residency program on global business practices through digital innovation.  In this episode: Sirli Heinsoo, Director of the Digital Economy Department at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, joins us to explain how Estonia's digital landscape is evolving. We'll explore the steps Estonia is taking to minimise reporting requirements and bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for businesses to thrive.Hear from e-residents Alistair Starling, Natalia Storozhukwho and Oleksandr Storozhukwho have navigated the waters of starting and operating a business in Estonia. They will share their personal challenges and triumphs, providing a real-world perspective on the digital tools and systems that have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys being part of e-Residency.

We explore the cutting-edge of healthcare digitalisation through the lens of genomics, artificial intelligence, and e-health strategies. Liis Leitsalu, researcher at the Estonian Genome Center and the University of Tartu, will guide us through the evolving world of genomics. She shares her expert insights on how genetic research is revolutionising personalised medicine, the role of Estonia's pioneering Biobank, and the ethical considerations surrounding genetic data.Professor Kristjan Port, a sports biologist with deep roots in academic research, discusses the diverse applications of AI in healthcare, from diagnostics and treatment to managing patient data and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI technology. His insights will illuminate how AI is not just a tool of the future but a present reality shaping our medical landscape.Jaanika Merilo, Head of Digital Health at the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs, talks about Estonia's new e-health strategy. She outlines how digital tools are enhancing patient care, supporting healthcare professionals, and ensuring data-driven decision-making. She will explain how Estonia is leveraging technology to streamline healthcare services and improve patient outcomes, setting a benchmark for digital health globally.

We explore the game-changing world of cleantech and sustainability, showcasing the crucial roles and innovative approaches of industry leaders. We'll explore the intersections of policy, technology, and market strategies that drive the green transition in sectors ranging from waste management to sustainable manufacturing. Kädi Ristkok, CEO of the Estonian Cleantech Association discusses the integral role of cleantech in driving sustainable growth across Estonia and the Baltics, highlighting the need for scaling existing technologies to meet climate neutrality by 2050.Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, PhD. Co-founder and COO of ÄIO explores advancements in biotechnology for producing sustainable fats and oils, detailing the transition from academic research to commercial application.Kristjan Variksoo, CTO of Wastelocker explains company´s innovative AI and camera technology in waste management, aimed at improving sorting and achieving zero waste goals and also discusses the company's expansion into the Middle East.

We explore the intersection of defence and digital innovation, shedding light on how modern technology is transforming national security. Our discussions will traverse the realms of AI-driven defence strategies, drone technology, and human oversight's vital role in the automation age. James Acuna, Former CIA Senior Operations Officer discusses the integration of AI and drone technologies in defense, emphasizing the crucial role of human oversight to mitigate the risks inherent in autonomous systems. Ingvar Pärnamäe, CEO of Vegvisir shares his transition from a long career at the Estonian Ministry of Defence to leading a defence tech startup, Vegvisir, which innovates with AR and VR to improve battlefield situational awareness. Kadri Tammai, Regional Director NATO DIANA explains NATO DIANA’s mission to accelerate defence-related innovation, emphasising support for dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military purposes. 

This time we focus on educational transformations and innovative approaches to integrate technology in learning environments. Taavi Kotka, Estonia's first Chief Information Officer,  discusses his initiative "Unicorn Squad." Initiative that aims to encourage girls in Estonia to pursue education in programming, robotics, and technology. Anthony Kilcoyne from Oide, elaborates on digital strategies in Irish education. Gives his insights into how digital tools are incorporated into Irish classrooms and the future of educational technologies offer a broader perspective on the global digital education landscape. Riho Västrik a producer of Estonian TV show "Rocket 69" . A TV show which promotes STEM among youth through engaging challenges and competitions, making science and technology appealing to younger audiences. As a special bonus, former Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment & Trade of the Turks & Caicos Islands, E. Jay Saunders, discusses the challenges faced during the early stages of government digitalisation. 

Explore transformative education through technology, featuring insights from Sten Kapten of Estonia's Ministry of Education and Research, Kevin Emeraldi, COO at GovTech Edu Indonesia, and Lauri Haav, CEO of kood/Jõhvi. Discover how Estonia and Indonesia are leveraging AI and digital solutions to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for a tech-driven future. Delve into the innovative approaches that are shaping the future of global education.Related article:https://e-estonia.com/pisa-test-2022-results-estonian-students-rank-high-in-europe/More about kood/Jõhvi:https://kood.tech/

The latest podcast episode delves into global digital infrastructures and the implementation of a unified EU digital wallet initiative.How countries like New Zealand admire and seek to emulate Estonia’s digital advancements to potentially transform their own digital landscapes by 2040. Yogesh Hirdaramani, a senior reporter from GovInsider, discussed various global initiatives in digital public infrastructure like  Singapore's Singpass platform and payment platforms in India.Michael Andrew Buckland from Cybernetica, speaks about the upcoming EU-wide digital wallet initiative (EIDAS2), which aims to streamline and secure digital identity management across member states by 2026-2027 and also talked about the public sector’s role in driving innovation.The article mentioned in the podcast:https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/04/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-wants-new-zealand-to-be-estonia.htmlhttps://investinestonia.com/report-generative-ai-can-boost-estonias-gdp-by-up-to-8-per[…]ent-minister-riisalo-potential-for-digital-disruption-aheadhttps://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2024/0402/Estonians-trust-their-government.-That-s-why-it-can-offer-advanced-services

In this podcast episode, we delve into the topics of digital democracy, gov tech and digital visionaries.More than 80 countries and more than half of the world´s population will go voting this year. But why has Estonia, since 2005, been one of the only countries with nationwide I-voting?Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Former President of Estonia, shares the reasons for the start of digital transformation in Estonia in the 1990s and his thoughts about the future of e-Estonia.Andrew Smith, product Director of Nortal, discusses the digitalisation processes in Saudi Arabia and Junior Product Designer Arwa Alamer talks about the Changemakers programme.Raido Kaju, Software Engineering Manager at the Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS), speaks about new generations of interoperability, the data spaces, and the possible more considerable connectivity in the European Union.The Euronews article mentioned in the podcast: https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/03/05/future-of-electronic-voting-uncertain-amid-biggest-ballot-year-in-history 

We start the new podcast season with a little twist of the format. With our hosts, Digital Transformation Advisers Erika Piirmets and Carmen Raal, the talk still revolves around digitalisation. Still, we'll bring you more practical international examples worldwide and exciting news from govtech and innovation.Listen to the episode and hear:Skaidra Puodžiūnas, director of Government Relations at the Council of Canadian Innovators, reflects on what she learned from Estonia and how innovation and private-public collaboration function in Canada.Sigrit Siht, director of AI and Data in Digital Nation, shares insights from governments across the globe applying AI in their innovation.