Kristel Kriisa, AI Advisor to the Secretary of State, Estonia

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organization. 

As the AI Advisor to the Secretary of State in the Government Office of Estonia (at the heart of government), my main responsibility is to integrate AI responsibly and securely into our daily operations, helping us work smarter, improve crisis resilience, and support data-driven decision-making.

Estonia has long been a pioneer in digital governance, and we have already experimented extensively with AI to enhance efficiency across various government functions. For example, we are currently developing an AI-powered system that hosts a vast repository of public sector documents, enabling us to quickly find the right information when working on new strategies or regulations.

My work focuses on striking the right balance between innovation and responsibility, ensuring that technology genuinely makes processes better, faster, and more efficient. Through collaboration with other public sector organizations, private partners, and international allies, we aim to set an example of how AI can empower governments and improve services.

To subscribe to the GovInsider bulletin click here.

2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

The most impactful project I led this year was developing and delivering a series of tailored AI training programs to empower multiple teams of civil servants. These sessions focused on practical skills, such as understanding generative AI’s potential and risks, writing better prompts, and building Custom GPTs for specific tasks.

The highlight for me was getting feedback from departmental leaders who realized the potential of these tools after the training. Several reported saving hours of work by creating their own Custom GPTs, tailored to their unique needs. Seeing these tangible benefits has been incredibly rewarding. 

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024? 

Realizing how many people fear AI, believing it will take their jobs. In reality, it is not the machines but other people who know how to use these tools that will shape the future of work. For example, during one of our training programs, a colleague expressed concern about AI replacing their role. After learning how to build a Custom GPT tailored to their tasks, they not only overcame this fear but discovered how AI could save them significant time and effort.

This experience reinforced my belief that AI is not about replacement but empowerment. It is a tool to augment our capabilities and help us achieve more. The key lies in ensuring that everyone can learn how to use these tools effectively, transforming them from potential barriers into enablers of progress. This is why I remain committed to fostering awareness and digital literacy.

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

I am looking forward to exploring how we can better leverage the wealth of data accumulated in the public sector. While in Estonia, a highly digital society, we have vast repositories of information, accessing and utilizing it effectively remains a challenge. By integrating different innovative solutions, we can unlock new insights that support smarter policymaking and better resource allocation.

By making complex information more accessible and actionable, we will not only improve efficiency but also enhance the quality of work. For example, public servants will be able to quickly identify trends, predict outcomes, and tailor strategies to meet specific challenges. This will fundamentally transform how governments use data.

5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector. 

I am fortunate to work directly in the field of AI, which has given me firsthand insight into both its potential and its challenges. For the public sector, AI is more than just a buzzword; it is a practical tool that can drive efficiency, innovation, and better outcomes for citizens.

In Estonia, we have taken a pragmatic approach to AI, partly because we are a small country with limited resources. We do not have the luxury of endless talent pools or budgets, so we focus on getting things done. AI, based upon successive strategies since 2019, helps us amplify our efforts, automating routine tasks, improving decision-making, and enabling us to do more with less.

At the same time, I have learned that success with AI is not just about technology—it is about trust. Governments need to ensure that AI is used transparently and responsibly, with clear governance frameworks to address potential risks.

To subscribe to the GovInsider bulletin click here.

6. What are your priorities for 2025?

My priorities for 2025 include staying up to date with the rapid developments in AI and ensuring that our AI Implementation Plan remains relevant and forward-looking. A key focus will be fostering a culture of learning and adaptability, ensuring everyone has access to the tools and training needed to use AI effectively and responsibly.

International collaboration is another significant priority. Estonia has benefited greatly from partnerships with different countries, sharing knowledge and addressing common challenges. Strengthening these collaborations will allow us to build shared AI infrastructures and exchange best practices, ensuring that small nations like ours remain at the forefront of digital innovation. 

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators?

Innovation in the public sector is not about chasing the latest trends; it is about solving real problems in a way that benefits citizens. Stay curious, experiment, and do not be afraid to learn from mistakes. Collaboration is crucial—reach out to others, share your experiences, and draw inspiration from their successes. Remember, it is not just about technology. It is about the people you serve. Keep your focus on their needs and ensure that innovation is inclusive, ethical, and practical. 

8. Who inspires you today?

One of my biggest sources of inspiration is my 9-year-old daughter. She has an incredible sense of curiosity and resilience that reminds me of the importance of approaching challenges with an open mind and creative thinking. Watching her navigate and explore the world with endless questions and boundless enthusiasm inspires me to do the same in my work. She constantly pushes me to think about the future we are building—not just for ourselves but for the next generation.