The AI4Gov Open Event: From Ambition to Competences

Building Public Sector Talent for AI in the EU

The European Union’s Digital Decade and the Digital Europe Programme have set ambitious goals, such as reaching 20 million ICT specialists, ensuring 80% of adults have basic digital skills, and making all key public services available online. To achieve these objectives, public administrations must develop capabilities that go beyond technical expertise.

During the event, experts, policymakers, and practitioners will explore what public sector professionals and future leaders need to harness AI effectively: the skills, institutional changes, and governance frameworks required to ensure that AI-driven innovation supports public value, inclusion, and legitimacy.

Event Agenda

The event will take place at CEPS premises in Place du Congrès 1, 1000 Brussels

AI4Gov Open Event

Masters of Ceremony: Gianluca Misuraca, Oscar Corcho, Marzia Mortati

9:30 – 10:00 – Registration

10:00 – 10:15 – Welcoming

• Welcome and Introduction to the Agenda by the Masters of Ceremony
• Opening Speech by Rehana Schwinninger-Ladak, Head of the Unit “Interactive technologies, Digital for Culture and Education”, DG CNECT, European Commission

10:15 – 10:45 – Talent Transformation for the Digital Decade: Building AI-ready Public Institutions
Keynote Speech – The EU Apply AI Strategy: focus on AI literacy, skills and labour market

• Giulia Carsaniga, Policy Officer, European Commission, AI Office

10:45 – 11:45 – Panel Discussion: What Skills Do We Really Need for AI in the Public Sector?
Moderated by Gianluca Misuraca and Marzia Mortati
Panellists:

• Andrea Halmos, Deputy Head of Unit for Strategy, Digitalisation, Better Regulation and Economic Analysis, DG Environment, European Commission
• Maria Koomen, Governance Director, Centre for Future Generations
• Maria Claudia Bodino, Policy Officer, Research and Innovation on AI and Data for Cultural Heritage and Cultural Creative Industries, DG RTD, European Commission
• Trisha Meyer, Director of the Research Centre for Digitalisation, Democracy and Innovation, Brussels School of Governance, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

11:45 – 12:30 – The Way Forward: Towards an EU AI and Digital Governance Ecosystem

• Introduction to AI4Gov Accelerate (AI4Gov-X) and the AI4Gov-X Call for Associated Partners by Gianluca Misuraca, AI4Gov-X Scientific Director
• Launch of the AI4Gov Alumni Network and Digital Community of Practice – AI4Gov Alumni

12:30 – 13:00 – Closing Remarks

• Natalia Aristimuño Perez, Director of Digital Enablers and Innovation, DG DIGIT, European Commission
• Brando Benifei, Member of the European Parliament, Co-Chair of the Working Group on The implementation and enforcement of the Artificial Intelligence Act
• Oscar Corcho and Marzia Mortati, See you Next in Madrid in 2026

13:00 – 14:00 – Group photo and Networking Lunch

Co-creation session | AI4Gov-X Competence Framework

Restricted to AI4Gov Master students, Alumni, and AI4Gov-X project partners

14:15 – 14:45 – Introduction to the co-creation activity

• Briefing on objectives and methodology
• Overview of the AI4Gov-X competence framework

14:45 – 16:30 – Co-creation workshop (coffee available during the activities)

• Mixed teams of students, alumni, and project partners
• Specific activities

16:30 – 17:15 – Plenary sharing

17:15 – 17:45 – Closing remarks and next steps

17:45 – Wrap-up and AI4Gov Dinner (self-paid)

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI and public sector innovation in Europe.
Register now!