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The Art of Digitalisation
The Art of Digitalisation
Author: E-Estonia Briefing Centre
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© 2025 The Art of Digitalisation
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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.
54 Episodes
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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 supportive environment for innovation, what still needs to change in public procurement, and how AI is ...
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 and cyber resilience. They explain why digital identity is not a threat to civil liberties but a ...
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 Cyber Command must be ready to operate without the internet, and how innovation, from AI to drones...
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 real-world pilots, and where startups can create the most impact.
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 fixing fragile drug supply chains is just as critical as breakthrough therapies.
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 PS is building the infrastructure for human potential at a planetary scale. As Founder of ...
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 part of the show through virtual reality. And fashion designer Xenia Joost reflects on how digital ...
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 highlights the role of the private sector in driving educational innovation and explains how Estonian EdT...
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 public services with experts Liina Kamm and Katrin Rajamäe-Soosaar, who discuss the importance of responsible AI dep...
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 complexities.The importance of continuous investment in cyber security and data protectio...
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 experiences of Estonia's e-ID's inception and its impactful evolution. Riho Kurg, Country Manager at...
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 innovation...
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 in...
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 in...
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...
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, highligh...
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 ...
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.co...
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...
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 Direc...






















