On February 3, 2025, FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute (VUB & ULB) became a part of the AI4GOV Accelerate (AI4GOV-X) project, which will run until January 1, 2029. This DIGITAL project unites 38 beneficiaries and 4 associated partners from 21 European countries to design and deliver two annual editions of an online master’s program tailored for the public sector, featuring modular, credential-based courses and extracurricular practical activities focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Spaces (DS), and Digital Government Transformation (DGT). 

The program aims to train 800 students through the full programme and reach over 2,200 participants through additional training activities.  

The program strongly emphasizes interdisciplinary cooperation, fostering partnerships through summer and winter schools, networking events, internships, and mentoring opportunities.  

 

About AI4GOV 

AI4Gov-X is a transnational initiative co-funded by the European Union’s Digital Europe Program, aiming to revolutionize digital governance across Europe by enhancing AI-driven public sector innovation. The growing need for digital transformation in government institutions presents significant challenges, including bridging the digital skills gap, managing data efficiently, and ensuring ethical AI deployment. To overcome these issues, AI4Gov-X builds upon the success of the AI4Gov Master’s program, which has already trained over 120 professionals and received the European Digital Skills Award in 2023. The project aims to upskill public sector professionals, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and establish Europe as a leader in AI-driven public administration. 

The AI4Gov-X project creates a diverse network of universities, public authorities, and industry leaders establishing fifteen Triple Helix Partnerships, Additionally, leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), government bodies, and private sector innovators commit to advancing AI, DS, and DGT.  

 

Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the project aims to create an educational platform and run two annual editions of an online master’s program, complemented by additional courses and activities offering official credentials. This will equip participants with digital transformation skills for the public sector, focusing on key areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Spaces (DS), and Digital Governance Transformation (DGT).  

Cutting-edge technology plays a crucial role in AI4Gov-X, with the AI4Scale platform acting as a knowledge hub and innovation platform. The platform enables HEIs, public institutions, and private entities to exchange expertise and co-develop AI solutions. It will also connect participants to share resources and facilities, while offering hands-on practice with AI, DS, and DGT. The platform will also link key actors in the EU GovTech ecosystem and provide opportunities for collaboration, incubation, and acceleration of public service innovation. 

Ultimately, AI4Gov-X aims to establish a European Knowledge Centre of Excellence and a global network on AI, DS, and DGT for the public sector. The AI4Engine framework will support this by identifying emerging talent and innovations, tracking trends, and providing access to thematic information. By connecting stakeholders to the AI4Scale platform, AI4Engine will help ensure that the educational programs remain aligned with the latest technological advancements and sectoral needs, positioning Europe as a leader in digital public administration. 

 

FARI’s Involvement  

FARI plays a central role in the AI4Gov-X project, taking the lead in several key tasks.

Firstly, FARI is responsible for the analysis and design of the AI4Engine framework. This AI-powered digital platform will connect relevant actors, provide access to thematic information, predict trends, and identify opportunities. FARI defines the functional and technical requirements, designs the architecture, and develops a prototype along with a testing plan.

In addition, FARI leads the development and beta testing of the AI4Scale platform. This platform is one of the three pillars of the project and will include various functionalities such as registration, enrolment, assessment, and certification. FARI implements the requirements of a pre-existing solution, tests the platform with a selected group of users, and makes improvements based on feedback.

Furthermore, FARI plays a crucial role in the initialization and composition of the AI4Scale platform, that will serve as the central hub for education, training, and capacity building within AI4Gov-X. Together with project partners, FARI ensures that the platform is composed of relevant content and appropriately set up for the first program edition.

Lastly, FARI is responsible for the further development and updates of the AI4Scale platform. Based on insights gained from the first edition of AI4Gov-X, both technical aspects and user experience will be optimized. This ensures that the platform remains a sustainable and long-term support tool for future editions of AI4Gov-X, even beyond the funded period.
 

Contact  

Aysun Caliskan, FARI, E-Learning Expert: aysun.caliskan@fari.brussels  

Gianluca Carlo Misuraca, AI4GOV-X, Scientific Director: gianlucacarlo.misuraca@polimi.it