How can governments help businesses realize the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) while gaining the maximum value from these game-changing technologies themselves? By creating a thriving AI ecosystem that works for government, business and citizens. In this episode, Kiren Kumar, Deputy CEO of Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), shares three steps to building such an ecosystem. He also gives examples of how the IMDA implements these steps, including by pre-approving AI solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Manik Bhandari, EY Partner and AI and Data Leader for ASEAN, joins Kiren for this enlightening conversation. The big takeaway: Just get started and grasp the opportunities of AI. These technologies are going to be a huge augmentation to companies if they play it right. But if they don't start playing at all, they will be disrupted. In the AI in Government mini-series, government and public sector innovators dive into the transformative potential of AI in the public sector. Listen in to discover the possibilities AI offers for a better, more connected society.  19 mins

How can universities balance their innovation culture with applying artificial intelligence (AI) in safe, compliant, ethical and effective ways? Our host Tim Smith speaks to Christine Burns, CIO at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, and Alison Cairns, EY Oceania Education Leader.  15 mins

What can the periodic table, a kitchen pantry and AI tell you about innovation? You can find out by listening to this inspiring discussion about the almost limitless potential of AI and innovation.  Join Mitra Taheri, a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and Chief Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Lab and Amy Jones, the US Public Sector AI Lead for Ernst & Young LLP as they talk about the need for governments to encourage the widespread use of AI, as safely as possible, so innovation can flourish. 17 mins

From errors in facial recognition to large-scale disinformation campaigns, the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) “going bad” can be huge. But so can the positive effects of these transformative technologies. Ethical governance, with human oversight, can help governments realize the benefits and mitigate the risks. And by understanding the failures, we can know where to innovate. Discussing this crucial topic with host Tim Smith is David Shrier, a futurist and Professor of Practice, AI & Innovation at Imperial College London. Also joining is Jeff Saviano, EY Global Emerging Technology, Strategy & Governance Leader and an appointed associate at Harvard University’s Safra Ethics Centre. 20 mins

Public sector organizations have been using artificial intelligence (AI) for longer than many people realize, to do things such as predict the weather and spot speeding drivers. Today, these technologies are helping organizations to operate more efficiently and personalize their customer service — and we’re still just scratching the surface of what they offer.  Discussing AI’s history, current use and future potential with host Tim Smith is Rajiv Peter, CIO at the housing association Notting Hill Genesis. EY LLP Technology Consulting Partner Naveen Thomas also shares his insights. 17 mins

The city of Paris has created a generative AI (GenAI) chatbot to make it easier for citizens to access social grants, while complementing — not replacing — the work of social workers. Discussing this innovative solution with host Tim Smith are Victoria Louvet, Senior Product Owner and Project Manager at EY Fabernovel, and Jessica Chamba, EY Global Human Services Leader. 14 mins

Innovation Unfolded is a Leading into Tomorrow mini-series exploring how innovation can unlock value across the public sector. In this episode, we look at how governments can connect citizens without leaving the disconnected behind. The answer: equality-centered design, AI technologies and a test-and-learn approach. Joining host Tim Smith for the discussion are Karl Hoods CBE, a Group Chief Digital and Information Officer for the UK government, and Sheena Thompson, EY UK&I Digital and Emerging Technology Leader. 16 mins

Innovation Unfolded is a Leading into Tomorrow mini-series exploring how innovation is sparked and embedded, and how focusing on a few key areas can unlock value across the public sector.  In this episode, EY’s Shalinder Bakshi and Pooja Warier Hamilton from Apolitical discuss the workforce challenges facing public sector organizations with host Tim Smith. They also share why identifying and developing core skills sets is crucial, along with allocating resources to goals and driving a culture of ongoing learning. 13 mins

Innovation Unfolded is a Leading into Tomorrow mini-series exploring how innovation is sparked and embedded, and how focusing on a few key areas can unlock value across the public sector.  In this episode, we look at how data-driven tech can help local governments prevent issues like homelessness, not pay for them. Joining host Tim Smith for the discussion are John Littlemore of Maidstone Borough Council, Alex Butler of Citizens Advice and EY’s Helen Sunderland and Neil Sartorio. 13 mins

Innovation Unfolded is a Leading into Tomorrow mini-series exploring how innovation is sparked and embedded, and how focusing on a few key areas can unlock value across the public sector.  In this episode, we consider the role of innovation in helping governments tackle the high demand for, and cost of, infrastructure projects. Joining host Tim Smith for the discussion are EY’s Jonas Groes and Chris Lewis, and Mikkel Hemmingsen, CEO of the Danish state-owned company Sund and Baelt.  13 mins

One of the biggest challenges in grant management is that the most critical targets of funding are hard-to-reach people in hard-to-reach places. In this, the first episode of the series, our host Tim Smith leads a discussion on efficient grant allocation with Steve Fussell, who was Chief Administrator, Office of Organizational Excellence, Seminole County Government in Florida, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Amy Fenstermacher, EY Americas Grants and Relief Funds Management Leader.  14 mins.

Successful grant programs demand a relentless focus on outcomes. Grant administrators must implement effective monitoring procedures and gather comprehensive information while grant recipients, on the other hand, want to enjoy a smooth customer journey. In the second episode of the series, host Tim Smith talks outcomes with Michael Cooper, Senior Civil Servant, and Head of Defra’s Group Grants Hub, and Matt Wilson, EY EMEIA Grants and Relief Funds Management Leader.  14 mins    

Grant and relief fund programs operate in complex, dynamic ecosystems, with an ever-present risk of fraud, misallocation and waste. And nowhere is this truer than for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In this episode Tim discusses how to address such complexity with Dr. Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Director and Executive Coordinator of Environmental Finance at the United Nations Development Programme, Maryam Hussain, EY International Fraud and Corruption Investigator, and Simon Inglis, Leader of the EY Grants and Relief Funding Management Team. 16 mins

Innovative, reliable and secure technology can help grantmaking organizations target the right people, track fund flow, spot fraud and waste and measure impact.  In our fourth episode of the series, host Tim Smith talks about how to harness the indisputable power of technology to improve grant management, with his guests Andrea Sampanis, Solutions and Services Lead, Grants Quality Service Management Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Amy Fenstermacher, EY Americas Grants and Relief Funds Management Leader. 19 mins

How Cape Town became a world leader in water reduction In this episode the Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, tells Meghan Mills how averting “Day Zero” led to a new strategy for water resilience. 16 mins

Why collaboration and accountability are key to achieving climate goals In the seventh episode of The City Citizen, Heather Taylor, CFO and Treasurer for the City of Toronto, talks to Meghan Mills about making sure her budget gets results. 14 mins

How creative thinking and bold action are transforming Port of Spain With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful surroundings and thriving industries, Port of Spain has a lot to offer. But even in idyllic locations like Trinidad and Tobago, capital cities have challenges to address - including how to transition to a smart, sustainable future. Mayor, Joel Martinez describes how he’s rejuvenating the city by building on its strengths and increasing civic pride. 10 mins

How Warsaw is becoming a sustainable city for all For the last couple of decades, Warsaw has been facing challenges common to cities of its size, from climate change to social inclusion. More recently, its physical and cultural closeness to Ukraine has also put it on the front line of a migration crisis. In this episode, the Deputy Mayor of Warsaw, Michał Olszewski, explains the initiatives used to tackle these challenges. 12 mins

How one city is creating partnerships to realize growth and climate goals. Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix, talks to Meghan Mills about Phoenix’s journey to become the most sustainable desert city in the US. 15 mins

How hosting the Olympics is helping a fast-growing city meet its needs. With preparations underway for 2032 we are joined by Adrian Schrinner, Lord Mayor of Brisbane and John Kimlin, EY Partner, Oceania, Government and Health. 22 mins