Timo Harakka, former transport and communications minister of Finland speaking at the NXT Conclave 2026
A panel of lawmakers from Europe and South Asia highlighted the growing importance of digital governance and artificial intelligence in improving public service delivery during a discussion at the NXT Conclave 2026. The session brought together Timo Harakka, former transport and communications minister of Finland; Lord Ross Kempsell of the UK’s House of Lords; Rei Korobeinik, an Estonian lawmaker; Kasadoruge S. Sanjaya Perera of Sri Lanka’s parliament; and Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament from India.
Speaking about Finland’s experience, Harakka said the principle of “digital first” has been central to the country’s e-governance model, with citizens primarily interacting with government services online. He noted that 96 per cent of Finnish citizens do not need to file tax returns because authorities already have the required financial data and can automatically calculate payments or refunds.
Lord Kempsell said the United Kingdom has strengthened digital governance through initiatives such as the GOV.UK platform, which integrates government services through a single login system. He also pointed to growing India–UK cooperation, including a joint artificial intelligence centre exploring AI applications in the public sector and improving administrative efficiency.
Korobeinik said Estonia has long been a pioneer in digital governance, with nearly all public services available online and tax filing completed through automated systems. He added that Estonia is now exploring the use of AI to deliver proactive services such as alerts about health risks, business opportunities and other citizen-focused information.
Sri Lankan lawmaker Perera said his country has digitised several government services and linked institutions through a centralised system, but adoption remains limited in rural areas. He estimated Sri Lanka has achieved about 40 per cent progress in digital governance and emphasised the need to expand digital literacy to accelerate further progress. Highlighting India’s experience, Surya said digital public infrastructure linking bank accounts, digital identity and mobile numbers has enabled direct benefit transfers, significantly reducing leakages in welfare programmes. According to him, nearly Rs 45 lakh crore has been transferred directly to beneficiaries, saving about Rs 4.5 lakh crore.
Surya also pointed to the rapid growth of digital payment systems in India, particularly through the Unified Payments Interface, which has expanded financial inclusion and made digital transactions more accessible for millions of citizens across urban and rural areas.
Participants agreed that while digital governance has improved efficiency and access to services, challenges remain in expanding digital literacy, bridging technological gaps and ensuring that new technologies are implemented responsibly. The panel concluded that digital governance and artificial intelligence will play a key role in shaping the future of public administration.
