The rising need for digital transformation in government agencies brings complex challenges, including closing the digital skills gap, handling data efficiently, and ensuring AI is used ethically.
AI4Gov-X is a groundbreaking four-year initiative, co-funded by the European Commission, designed to transform public governance across Europe. This project is dedicated to shaping the future of public administration by equipping European civil servants with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to harness the power of AI.
AI4Gov-X fosters innovation and collaboration between universities, public authorities, and private organizations. It brings together 41 institutions from 21 EU Member States, including universities, civil society groups, and industry partners.
AI4Gov-X (the X stands for "Accelerate") builds on the success of the AI4Gov master’s program, which has trained over 120 professionals and was recognized with the European Digital Skills Award in 2023. This second "Accelerate" edition is more ambitious, aiming to train over 800 master’s students and reach more than 2,200 professionals through a broad range of training activities.
The program is also creating two digital platforms, AI4Engine and AI4Scale, which will track innovation trends and regularly update the educational program. This approach guarantees that the project stays aligned with the latest technological developments and the shifting needs of the public sector.
The Center for the Governance of Change (CGC) at IE University is a leading partner in this ambitious initiative contributing to reshaping the future of public administration in Europe. In February 2025, members of the CGC team attended the project’s official kick-off meeting in Milan, hosted by the School of Design of the Politecnico di Milano. The gathering brought together consortium partners to define a shared strategic vision and set measurable, impact-driven goals for the initiative’s rollout across Europe. The CGC’s involvement in AI4Gov-X reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing responsible innovation and shaping the governance frameworks needed for emerging technologies.
AI4Gov-X aims to upskill civil servants with a fully online master’s program designed specifically for the public sector. With a strong focus on AI, data, and digital government transformation, the program combines modular, micro-credentialed courses with dynamic, hands-on activities.  It has three components: an online master’s program and two innovative platforms:
- Advanced master’s program: A master’s program tailored specifically for public sector professionals, featuring modular courses in AI, data, and digital governance. It will have two yearly editions, each supplemented by practical training and extracurricular activities.Â
- AI4Scale: A distributed knowledge hub and innovation platform designed to facilitate collaboration and hands-on experience with AI and data technologies within the EU govtech ecosystem. This hub will foster cooperation to enable participants to apply AI solutions to real-world public service challenges. Â
- AI4Engine: An AI agent linked to the AI4Gov-X training program, which will provide users with up-to-date, valuable information on the program’s topics, aligning with the latest technological advancements and evolving public sector needs. The AI agent will search, filter, and summarize a large number of sources, presenting the information in an accessible manner. The platform will be available in various European languages and will deliver the most recent and pertinent information, including best practices, case studies, academic papers, government frameworks, trends, and news related to the master’s program.Â
The CGC plays a significant role in the AI4Gov-X initiative, contributing its expertise in AI governance, democratic principles, and public sector delivery. The CGC is involved in all three elements (the master’s program, AI4Scale, and AI4Engine) as well as the necessary outreach activities to ensure this project is well-known across Europe. The involvement of the CGC includes:
- Strategic Planning: Contribute to refining the strategic vision and setting impact-oriented goals for AI4Gov-X.
- Curriculum Development:Â Help co-create an innovative master's program that offers modular, credential-based courses and practical training in AI, data, and digital governance.Â
- Designing the Platforms: Help guide the design and purpose of both the AI4Scale and AI4Engine platforms, giving ongoing reviews and advice on how to improve the user experience and ensure that the key objectives of the platforms are met.
Starting in February 2026, the CGC assumes leadership of the project for a six-month period, bringing our in-house expertise in foresight and AI governance. The CGC will ensure that AI4Gov-X aligns with democratic values and ethical standards, fostering a European public sector that is both innovative and accountable.
In an ever-changing world affected by constant technological innovations, the CGC and the AI4Gov-X consortium partners are committed to building a digitally inclusive, competitive, and future-ready public sector in Europe by bridging AI technology and public governance.
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