Digital Governance Infrastructure and Institutional Framework as Key Enablers of AI Adoption and Public Services Delivery

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) underscores the critical role of robust digital governance infrastructure and institutional frameworks as foundational elements for responsible, effective, and inclusive public services delivery. This workshop explores the relationship between digital government development and national AI readiness, drawing on insights from the United Nations E-Government Survey and the Oxford Insights AI Readiness Index.

It examines how advanced e-Government systems—encompassing data governance, digital service delivery, and legislative frameworks and institutional capacity — shape the ability of countries to benefit from and adopt frontier technologies like AI.

The discussion will focus on the role of these foundational elements highlighting the key findings of the UN E-Government Survey 2024. In addition, it will present and compare initiatives from global AI leaders, including the United States, China, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Canada, each of which demonstrate distinct strategies ranging from large-scale investment and innovation ecosystems to strong regulatory frameworks and citizen-centric digital services.

By linking the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) with the AI readiness Index of Oxford Insights the workshop highlights that digital government infrastructure are not only prerequisites for effective AI deployment but also key enablers of trust, transparency and equity in public services delivery and the rapid adoption of frontier technologies such as AI.

Ultimately, the workshop emphasizes the importance of aligning digital government strategies with AI policies to ensure that technological progress contributes to sustainable development outcomes and inclusive societal benefits.