Dynamic abstract with glowing blue cubes and light. Represents technology, connection, speed, or digital transformation.
Dynamic abstract with glowing blue cubes and light. Represents technology, connection, speed, or digital transformation.
Dynamic abstract with glowing blue cubes and light. Represents technology, connection, speed, or digital transformation.
Dynamic abstract with glowing blue cubes and light. Represents technology, connection, speed, or digital transformation.
Dynamic abstract with glowing blue cubes and light. Represents technology, connection, speed, or digital transformation.

Austria’s next
efficiency play:
from AI readiness
to AI results 

With one of Europe’s most advanced digital governments, Austria’s next challenge is agility, ensuring data and institutions are ready for AI to drive smarter, faster public services. 

Join the GovTech AI Hack and accelerate government efficiency

Turning digital maturity into measurable public value

After two decades of steady digital progress, Austria’s public sector stands at a turning point. The foundations are in place – national identity infrastructure, mature data governance and advanced digital platforms. The question now is how to translate this maturity into measurable efficiency gains that sustain public value amid fiscal and demographic pressures.

The GovTech AI Hack brings together Austrian public sector leaders and AI experts for a two-day proof-of-concept sprint. Its purpose is to identify where data and systems can deliver greater efficiency, and to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can turn digital potential into everyday public value.

Request participation in the GovTech AI Hack

AI action room

action process
Group 52

Why data readiness determines AI results

Across Europe, governments are realizing that AI readiness begins with data readiness. Research by the Open Data Institute and Nortal found a clear pattern: public datasets are abundant but often unstructured, built for compliance rather than computation.

When councils fixed this, results followed. Dorset used structured social-care data to plan budgets more accurately. Bristol applied predictive models to identify vulnerable youth earlier. London standardized incident data to prevent fire risks.

The lesson is clear: the quality and structure of data define how far AI can drive efficiency and public value – insight Austria can use to accelerate its next stage of reform. 

Download the research on AI-ready government data

A framework for progress

The study defined three practical dimensions of AI readiness, relevant for any administration seeking to modernise services: 

Together, these dimensions form a capability roadmap that connects better data management with real public outcomes, such as interoperability, trust and measurable efficiency. 

Abstract geometric background with connected triangles. Features blue and pink gradients, representing technology, data, and interconnectedness.
Abstract geometric background with connected triangles. Features blue and pink gradients, representing technology, data, and interconnectedness.
Abstract geometric background with connected triangles. Features blue and pink gradients, representing technology, data, and interconnectedness.
Abstract geometric background with connected triangles. Features blue and pink gradients, representing technology, data, and interconnectedness.
Abstract geometric background with connected triangles. Features blue and pink gradients, representing technology, data, and interconnectedness.

AI Hack: building confidence in AI for government

Austria’s maturity provides a strategic advantage. It has the institutional capability to adopt AI responsibly, what is now needed is proof through practice.

The GovTech AI Hack offers a structured way to do this: a 48-hour collaborative sprint where multidisciplinary teams identify a real-world policy or service challenge, assess data readiness and co-develop an MVP. 

Each proof of concept delivers:

  1. A functioning prototype built on existing data assets
  2. A short technical and governance roadmap for scaling
  3. Documented lessons for policy and investment decisions
Express interest in a 48-hour AI Hack

Putting principles into practice

Efficiency and democracy are not competing values. When AI is designed transparently and governed responsibly, it enhances both.

To achieve this, three principles guide the transition from AI readiness to AI results:

01.

Embed democratic principles into the foundation of the digital government infrastructure

FrameIPHONE 404

02.

Keep citizen and public value, not technology, in the center of attention

FrameIPHONE 404

03.

Control and facilitate the safe use of Ai in democratic processes

Ai in democratic processes

Building Austria’s AI-ready governance

Austria’s next opportunity lies in translating its strong digital foundation into AI-ready governance: data that is structured for automation, systems that remain explainable, and services that are efficient, resilient and trusted.

Contact our GovTech team for the AI Hack briefing and participation details.

Daniela_Riegler

Daniela Riegler

Geschäftsführerin der Nortal
GmbH in Österreich

maxim_orlov

Maxim Orlov

Business Development
Consultant

Interested in
participating?

Register your interest in the GovTech AI Hack to receive briefing materials and discuss participation options with our team.
gov_efficiency_wp_book

Deep dive: efficiency and democracy
in the age of AI 

Our white paper, Government Efficiency in the Age of AI, explores how governments can use artificial intelligence to strengthen both performance and legitimacy.

It argues that efficiency and democracy are not competing values – when AI is transparent, explainable and guided by clear governance, they reinforce one another.

The paper outlines practical approaches to aligning digital transformation with public accountability, drawing on examples from Estonia, Finland and the UK. 

Learn more