The Art of Digitalisation
Welcome to The Art of Digitalisation, a podcast brought to you by one of the most digital countries on earth, e-Estonia. Directly from the heart of the e-Estonia secret headquarters. Or briefing centre as we actually call it. In every episode, we bring you digitalisation experts from across the globe, sharing their expertise and advice on how they transformed businesses, governments, and more, using innovation through technology. Whether you’re taking your first steps on your own digitalisation journey, want captivating insights from renowned experts, or love some Estonian straight-faced humour, this is the podcast for you.
Episoodid
Human connection in a digital society
In this episode, we explore what happens to human connection in an increasingly digital world. Nesli Hazal Oktay, Associate Professor of Interaction Design at the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA), explains why efficiency should not always be the main goal of digital services and how concepts such as “remote intimacy” and intentional friction can help preserve meaningful relationships. The conversati
Learning, AI, and Estonia’s education success
In this episode, we explore why Estonia’s education system continues to attract global attention - from top PISA results to digital learning and AI in schools. Kai Koort from Education Estonia and the Education and Youth Board explains how teacher autonomy, inclusive education, creativity, and a strong growth mindset shape student success. The conversation also looks at Estonia’s balanced approach
Fixing regulation to unlock innovation
In this episode, we explore how governments can enable innovation by adapting regulation to keep pace with technological change. Johanna-Kadri Kuusk speaks with Olari Püvi and Oliver Rätsep from Accelerate Estonia about how regulatory barriers are identified and redesigned to help new ideas reach the market. The episode also features insights from Sidsel Bülow Skovborg, Digitalisation Councillor a
Cybersecurity, phishing, and digital resilience
In this episode, we explore how the cyber threat landscape is evolving in an increasingly digital society. Gert Auväärt, Director of Cyber Security at the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA), explains why cybersecurity has become a basic requirement for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. Together with Urmo Keskel, Co-founder of Phishbite, the discussion looks at the rise of sc
Rethinking learning in the age of AI
In this episode, we explore Estonia’s AI Leap and what it means for learning in the age of artificial intelligence. Through conversations with teachers, programme leaders, and an educational psychologist, we look at how AI is already changing classroom practices, assessment, and student skills. The episode examines how the initiative is being rolled out nationwide, why guidance and shared rules ma
How digital systems make business easier
In this episode, we examine what truly makes it easy to start, run, and scale a business in a digital society. Ivar Merilo, serial entrepreneur and founder of Waybiller, explains how removing paper-based workflows and designing systems around shared data can eliminate entire layers of unnecessary work. He discusses why Estonia’s digital state and public–private cooperation create a uniquely suppor
Insights for the UK’s eID debate from Estonian experience
In this special episode, we examine what happens when a country with decades of digital-state experience meets a nation only beginning to debate digital identity. Estonia’s Chief Information Officer, Lauri Luht, and long-time e-Residency advocate Adam Rang, unpack the UK’s sudden pivot toward eID, the misconceptions shaping public fears, and the practical realities behind privacy, data protection
Cyber command: defending a digital society
In this episode, we explore how national defence changes when society itself becomes digital. Mikk Tikk, Deputy Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Cyber Command and lead mentor at NATO DIANA, explains why cyber security protects a way of life rather than just infrastructure. He outlines how redundancy, joint exercises, and close cooperation with the private sector shape modern defence, why C
Digitalisation, cleantech, and the green transition
In this episode, we examine how digitalisation accelerates the green transition. Mikk Vainik from Rohetiiger outlines how secure data, interoperability, and sector roadmaps turn sustainability goals into measurable business practice. Sven Parkel from the Estonian Hydrogen Cluster explains renewable hydrogen and Hydrogen Valleys, why EU-driven collaboration matters, how research translates into rea
AI and the future of e-health
In this episode, we dive into the future of e-health and pharmaceuticals. Kertti Merimaa from Nortal shares how AI is already transforming healthcare through diagnostics, clinical decision support, and predictive tools, while also dispelling common myths about AI in medicine. Jason Grenfell-Gardner, CEO of J. Molner Company, explains how Estonia became a base for pharmaceutical innovation and why
Vattan PS and the future of AI sovereignty
In this episode, visionary founder Vattan PS explains why countries cannot afford to depend solely on a handful of global AI providers. We discuss Estonia’s role as a potential prototype nation for AI governance, why AI literacy is becoming core infrastructure, and how upcoming shifts in cost, regulation, and adoption will reshape the landscape faster than any digital transformation before. Vattan
Creativity, technology, and AI
We explore how digital technology is reshaping the creative industries in Estonia, from live AI-generated theatre to immersive VR dance and the future of digital fashion. Mart-Matteus Kampus shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of co-creating a stage production with ChatGPT. Choreographer Liis Vares and interdisciplinary artist Taavet Jansen introduce a performance where the audience becomes pa
Education, innovation, and the AI Leap
We explore Estonia’s bold leap into AI-powered education with insights from Gert Jervan, Dean of the School of Information Technologies at TalTech. Gert shares how Estonia is preparing to teach artificial intelligence in high schools and why the country’s new AI-focused bachelor’s program is critical for shaping future innovators. We also hear from Liis Siiroja, CEO of EdTech Estonia, who highligh
AI, e-governance, and the future of digital transformation
We dive into Estonia's e-governance journey with insights from Joel Burke, AI policy expert and author of Rebooting A Nation. Joel shares his experience of Estonia's rise as a global leader in digital governance, highlighting the cultural mindset and political courage that helped shape the nation's innovative e-government systems. We also explore how AI is shaping the future of publ
The cyber security challenge: protecting nations and industries
This time, we explore the critical role of cyber security in an increasingly digital world. Our hosts, Johanna-Kadri Kuusk and Petra Holm, talk with two experts to explore the challenges and solutions associated with combining digital transformation and security. In this episode:Nick Washer, the Global Head of Defence of Nortal, discussed:The role of digitalisation in modern defence and its comple
Estonia's e-ID journey and the rise of the EU Digital Identity Wallet
We delve into the intriguing world of electronic identification, exploring its evolution and impact from local and global perspectives. Join our hosts, Petra Holm and Johanna-Kadri Kuusk, as they guide you through Estonia's groundbreaking e-ID initiatives in the 90s to the exciting prospects of the EU digital wallet. In this episode: Kalev Pihl, CEO of SK ID Solutions, shares firsthand experi
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
Straight to business: from e-Residency to real-time economy
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,
Future of medicine: personalisation, genomics and AI
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
Green futures: cleantech, biotech, and AI
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 i
Defending our future: NATO DIANA, AI and drones
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 d
Modern classrooms: girls in tech, STEM TV show & Irish education
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 digit
From AI to EdTech - from Estonia to Indonesia
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 innovat
EU digital wallet and beyond
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 inf
Elections, visionaries and govtech
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
Global digitalisation insights from Canada to AI
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
Post-digital: new era of governance
In the first episode of 2024, we're thrilled to have Andres Raieste, Senior Vice President of the Public Sector from Nortal, as we dive into the world of digital government services. Andres, with his background in shaping Estonia's digital government initiatives, offers insights into this field. We explore the journey from traditional to digital services, the nuances of digital identity
e-Estonia 2023 wrapped
We end this year’s podcast season with a bang – as we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect e-Estonia’s journey of the digitalisation landscape. We’ve outlined categories and nominees across various fields and the time has come to reveal the winners of each category. Trends, milestones and lessons learned both from the public and private sectors. The special guest Sandra Särav, the Deputy S
Shaping a sustainable digital era
Dive into Estonia's digital transformation with a green twist in this podcast episode. Kädi Ristkok from Cleantech Estonia and Kaidi-Kerli Kärner from PwC discuss how Estonia, as a tech-savvy nation, unifies its digital governance with ambitious environmental goals, setting a new standard in sustainable development. From innovative case studies to insightful discussions on Environmental, Soci
There’re no time zones in cyberspace
Our latest podcast episode, as well as the month of October, is dedicated to cybersecurity and raising awareness of cybersecurity. And who would be a better expert to tackle this vast and complex topic than Gert Auväärt, the head of the Cyber Security Centre at the Information System Authority. With extensive international experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he also served as the Deputy
S3E7: Digital transformation: measuring impact and navigating the future
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of digital transformation, particularly in the context of Estonia's experience. They explore digitalisation's efficiency and cost-saving potential, the challenges of measuring its impact, and the importance of focusing on quantitative and qualitative assessments. Helping to navigate this broad topic is Kristjan Vassil, a professo
S3E6: The digital pathfinders: Estonia and Ukraine's strong tech partnership
Estonian and Ukranian tech partnership dates back to 2016 when Estonia helped Ukraine to pave the way for the architecture of digital government. Today, the collaboration is stronger than before, and, what's more significant, Estonia is learning from Ukraine by using the state app Diia as a base of mRiik. We discussed the strong tech collaboration between the two countries with Estonia's
S3E5: "From citizen-centric to personalised healthcare: the power of genomics"
Our latest podcast tackles a timely and groundbreaking topic of personalised medicine with Piret Hirv, the manager of the Connected Health Cluster. Piret, with her background as a trained nurse and experience in the Ministry of Social Affairs, brings valuable insights into the importance of private and public partnerships, the future of behavioural health, and the current status of personalised me
S3E4: "Breaking through the screen: the exciting future of healthcare"
With experts from TEHIK, Katre Pruul, manager of cross-border data exchange and Tõnis Jaagus, head of the health division, our podcast hosts explore the benefits of patient portals and their impact on healthcare, discussing how these digital tools empower patients and revolutionise how they engage with healthcare providers. They also take a closer look at the future of e-health and how digital he
S3E3 "Online-voting - the future of democracy or a niche trend? " | Mihkel Solvak, professor and researcher
Estonia is the first and still the only country with nationwide internet elections. The latest general elections in the first week of March saw a record in casting votes online compared to physical votes -... people voted through their computers. As the rest of the world is slow in joining the revolution, we invited Mihkel Solvak to explain all the nitty-gritty behind internet voting, its impact a
S3E2: Are we ready for an AI government | Colin Van Noordt, Programme Director for AI at Digital Nation
The government is lagging behind the private sector in its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the latest podcast episode, we discuss the reasons behind it and the challenges and opportunities for the public sector with the leading AI expert and researcher, Colin van Noordt. Colin works as a programme director for AI at the digital transformation consultancy Digital Nation and is a PhD Researc
S3E1: Navigating a digital country as a CIO | Luukas Ilves, CIO of Government of Estonia
The 3rd season of our podcast series "The Art of Digitalisation" premiers with the boss of digital Estonia - Mr Luukas Kristjan Ilves, who serves as the Government Chief Officer. His work is not building but managing a digital country Estonia, mapping the visions, strategies, and tactics necessary for Estonia's digital transformation and resilience. Coming from the private sector, h
S2E12: Greentech is not yet bankable, and we must solve it | Kersti Kaljulaid, former President of Estonia
It's hard to find a more perfect guest for the end-of-the-year podcast than the former president of Estonia, Mrs Kersti Kaljulaid. She's a global advocate and recognized thought leader on a wide range of topics, including (cyber) security, artificial intelligence, mental health, and the well-being of women and children. But this conversation focuses on green transition, greentech and, as
S2E11: Digital identity should be free for everyone | Laura Kask, CEO of Proud Engineers
In this episode, Erika Piirmets and Carmen Raal explore how countries solve the issue of digital identity, how they can learn from each other and what's the future of digital identity. Their guest is a former government Chief Legal Officer (GLO) and CEO of Proud Engineers Laura Kask. She has been responsible for the legislative framework of the Estonian information society and created the leg
S2E10 Kalev Pihl, CEO of SK ID Solutions: eID - a lot of good luck or a great masterplan?
The guest of our latest podcast episode is Kalev Pihl, CEO of SK ID Solutions and one of the key figures behind the Estonian ID-card project. He has played a crucial role in its planning and also has had a significant influence on the outcomes that are available today.
S2E9 Merit Valdsalu, Founder and CEO of Single.Earth on sustainability
Sustainability, tokens, and the well-being of nature and the world were some of the topics Carmen Raal and Erika Piirmets touched upon with their guest Merit Valdsalu, founder and CEO of Single.Earth. A company with a mission to transform how we approach consumption and how to integrate nature protection into the economy.
S2E8: e-Estonia podcast with Austrian e-resident Dominik Panosch
Our monthly podcast "The Art of Digitalisation" has been taken over by our Digital Transformation Advisers Carmen Raal and Erika Piirmets. Their first guest is Dr Dominik Panosch - the recent world record holder in founding the fastest company in just 15 min 33 sec.
S2E7: Ex-Director of Data Policy, Ministry of Economic Affairs & Communications for Estonia, Sandra Särav: Estonia will never monetise its citizens' private data
Sandra Särav is a force to be reckoned with. Sandra has worked as the Public Policy Manager at Bolt (the Estonian unicorn mobility startup), becoming the latter's Head of Sustainability before being snatched up by Facebook, where she also served as the Public Policy Manager for the CEE region. Luckily for our state, Sandra is one of our top civil servants with a bright future. In the most re
S2E6: Mari-Liis Kukk of the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority on tokenization, micro-shares and regulating crypto
Mari-Liis Kukk is the Head of the Innovation Department at the Estonian Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority. She describes herself as a long-time fan of the world of finance, being into novel ways of making financial services work and ensuring more efficient experiences for everyone involved.In the most recent episode of the e-Estonia podcast “The Art of Digitalisation,” Mari-Liis Kukk
S2E5: Taavi Tamkivi’s Salv takes on the trillion-dollar fincrime industry
Taavi Tamkivi is the founder and CEO of a startup called Salv that aims to kill an industry valued at a trillion dollars a year. Salv is an anti-money laundering platform that helps financial institutions, banks, etc., to be compliant and catch fraudsters simultaneously. Taavi likes to say that he is no longer building a product but a community of crime-fighters. Almost like a Marvel universe.
S2E4: Merle Maigre, senior expert on cyber security, on digital resilience
Merle Maigre works as the Senior Cyber Security Expert at e-Governance Academy. In our podcast, Merle talks to Florian Marcus about:Resilience in cyberspace;Why the war in Ukraine is a 21st century war;The importance of backing up your family photos and data embassies;The lessons learned from the 2007 Russian cyberattacks on Estonian public and private websites;e-Governance Academy's digital
S2E3: Tanel Sepp, Ambassador at Large for Cyber Diplomacy: Any diplomat needs to be a digital diplomat
Tanel Sepp is the Ambassador at Large and Director-General for the Cyber Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia. He has been in the Estonian Foreign Service for 19 years - having served from Brussels to Kabul, Washington D.C. to Ethiopia. In this episode, he talks to our host Florian Marcus about the balkanization of the Internet, how he helped the Eston
S2E2: Jaanika Merilo, Adviser of Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation: what we can learn from digital Ukraine?
Florian Marcus’s quest is Jaanika Merilo, the evangelist of e-government, head of PR and Communication of Funderbeam, advisor to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and advocate of EU and Ukrainian relations.
S2E1: Andres Kütt, CTO of Proud Engineers: the Biggest Obstacles in Estonia's Path to Digitalisation
The guest of our podcast series first episode of 2022 is one of the most influential men behind e-Estonia, actually. His name is Andres Kütt and he has held a myriad of impressive positions - the Head of Architecture at Skype, the Head of IT at the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, Advisor at the Estonian Information System's Authority, lecturer on the topic of e-governance at various universit
S1E10: X-Road® – the foundation of e-state - turns 20
X-Road – considered the foundation of the Estonian e-state, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Taavi Meinberg, Product Owner of the X-Road at the Estonian Information Systems Authority, and Arne Ansper, the Development Manager at Cybernetica, talk with Florian Marcus, e-Estonia's Digital Transformation Adviser about the X-Road's history, milestones, and future.
S1E9: Estonia's CDO Ott Velsberg: #Bürokratt - Siri on steroids
Estonian Government's Chief Data Officer Ott Velsberg speaks to Florian Marcus about the next level of development of the digital state in e-Estonia - #bürokratt, which he calls Siri on steroids.
S1E8: Communication expert Daniel Vaarik: Country's brand as an instrument of soft power
In our latest podcast episode, Florian Marcus talks to communication expert Daniel Vaarik. Vaarik served as the consultant for the famous Estonian e-Residency programme from its very inception. He was hired to conceptualise Estonia's messaging and namely also how we talk about e-governance.
S1E7: Siim Sikkut, Ex-Government CIO: “Estonia is open for all govtech innovators!”
In the seventh episode of our podcast series, “The Art of Digitalisation” our host Florian Marcus gets the Estonian CIO, Siim Sikkut, before his mic. You will hear why the governmental CIO/CTO meetings resemble AA meetings, the situation with innovation in Estonia when the country will have governmental virtual assistants at work, and the new initiative called Digital Testbed Framework.
S1E6: Lauri Almann of CybExer “We can't have digital benefits without security”
In the newest episode of our podcast “The Art of Digitalisation” our speaker Florian Marcus discusses the current threats and trends of cybersecurity with none other than Lauri Almann, the co-founder of CybExer Technologies - a company where enterprises, governments, and individuals can engage in immersive cyber training. In fact, the world did not realise the importance of cybersecurity until 200
S1E5: Kevin Tammearu of Cybernetica: e-solutions act as tools for democracy
Our speaker Florian Marcus talked with Kevin Tammearu, the Head of Business Development for Data Exchange Technologies of Cybernetica. Estonian company, known as the main architects of the X-Road - the backbone of e-Estonia. The company has been solving complex challenges for almost fifty decades - both in Estonia and abroad - yet maintaining the privacy of citizens and data.
S1E4: Dermtest's CEO Priit Kruus: the shift towards value-based healthcare
In this episode, our Digital Transformation Adviser Florian Marcus talks to Dermtest´s CEO Priit Kruus. Dermtest gives doctors the digital tools to manage the skin, skin problems, and wounds better. The company has ca 60 different hospitals, family doctors and private clinics in their client portfolio.
S1E3: CTO of Estonia Kristo Vaher: Estonia dares to be second?
In our podcast's third episode, Florian Marcus talks to Kristo Vaher, the Chief Technology Officer of the Republic of Estonia. The conversation can really be wrapped up as the title says - dare to be second because one thing that this small digital nation keeps doing is learning and innovating.This episode also talks about what a governmental CTO does and when Estonia will start using virtual
S1E2: Fyma's CEO Karen K. Burns: How to run your AI startup ethically
In our second podcast episode, our Digital Transformation Adviser Florian Marcus talks to computer-vision AI company Fyma´s co-founder and CEO Karen K. Burns. Karen dreamt of becoming a Hollywood producer and moved to the UK at 18 and put herself through film school while working for several IT companies. There did come a brief stint in the movie industry when she worked on the production of &quo
S1E1: Estonia's IT Minister Andres Sutt: risk appetite drives innovation
Estonia’s IT minister Andres Sutt talks to e-Estonia Briefing Centre’s Digital Transformation Adviser Anett Numa in its inaugural podcast about this small digital nation’s e-history and the future ahead. You’ll also hear what he considers the most potent e-service and what would, in his opinion, help us out of the current global pandemic.
