Ott Velsberg
He is the former Chief Data Officer of the Government of Estonia and one of Europe's leading voices on data, artificial intelligence, and digital government. He has played a central role in advancing Estonia's data and AI agenda, helping shape national strategies, governance frameworks, and practical implementations that enable the public sector to use data and emerging technologies responsibly and at scale. Dr. Velsberg is widely recognised for his expertise in data governance, data science, interoperability, and public-sector innovation. His work has focused on turning trusted data into public value: improving services, strengthening transparency, enabling automation, and supporting evidence-based decision-making across government. Beyond Estonia, he advises and collaborates with governments, international organisations, and technology leaders on how to build the institutional, legal, and technical foundations needed for digital transformation and AI adoption. His perspective combines hands-on implementation experience with strategic policy leadership, making him a respected contributor to global discussions on the future of government, data-driven public administration, and the evolution from digital states toward more proactive, intelligent, and trusted public services.
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From AI Policy to Public Value: Building an Agent-Driven, Trustworthy, and People-Centered Digital State
Ott Velsberg was one of the leading architects of Estonia’s digital transformation, playing a pivotal role in scaling the use of AI across public administration and strengthening the country’s position as a global pioneer in data-driven governance. During his tenure, the number of AI solutions used by the government grew from only a few to more than 180, including the launch of Bürokratt, Estonia’s first national AI assistant. Today, at the Tony Blair Institute, he supports governments worldwide in building modern, ethical, and citizen-centric digital infrastructure.