Efficient administration through AI: Krems is developing EU training for the public sector

Artificial intelligence challenges government action, both in terms of administrative processes and the implementation of AI-related legal matters. In theory, significant savings and improved administrative processes could be achieved. However, many EU countries still lack the systematic and productive knowledge necessary for the responsible use of AI in their public services. The EU project AI4Gov Accelerate is therefore developing a Europe-wide study program that will make public administrations fit for AI, data rooms, and digital governance. The Department for E-Governance and Administration at the University for Continuing Education Krems is contributing its extensive expertise to the project.

Automated decision support, intelligent data analysis, and generative AI also promise more efficient processes and better services for citizens in the public sector. According to an OECD report,[1] 84 percent of repetitive administrative processes in the UK could be automated using artificial intelligence. In theory, that is. However, this potential is not being realized. There is also disillusionment with the use of AI in companies: despite corporate investments of US$30 to US$40 billion in generative AI such as ChatGPT and others, according to a report by the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 95 percent of companies are not seeing any return on their investment. The main reason for this is the lack of learning ability of AI systems, which does not lead to any structural or procedural improvements.[2] The successful use of AI therefore requires not only staff who are willing to learn, but also the right AI systems and the knowledge of how AI can be used most effectively. In addition, there are other significant challenges in administration: legal uncertainties, ethical issues, poor data quality, and a striking lack of qualified personnel. This is precisely where the EU-funded AI4Gov Accelerate (AI4GOV-X) project comes in.

Not just technology, but above all skills

The project is thus responding to a Europe-wide shortage of AI and data skills in the public sector. After all, it is not just about AI technology, but above all about skills and learning. The aim is to develop a common, internationally recognized study curriculum that enables employees of public institutions not only to apply AI, but also to design it strategically, implement it responsibly, and manage it sustainably. The target groups are public service employees, policymakers, GovTech actors, and researchers in the field of digital governance. "The project is a response to the critical shortage of digital and, in particular, AI-related skills in European public administrations," emphasizes project researcher Gabriela Viale Pereira from the Department for E-Governance and Administration.

Joint Master's Programme provides further training

At the heart of the AI4Gov Accelerate project is the development of a joint master's program that will be run by several European universities in collaboration with each other. Students who complete the program will earn a joint degree. The program will be supplemented by modular continuing education formats, micro-credentials, summer schools, and practice-oriented learning environments. The project is thus specifically aimed at professionals in the public sector - from ministries and subordinate authorities to public enterprises and policy-related organizations. Coordinated in Italy, the project comprises 38 consortium partners in 20 countries. The continuing education program is designed around flexible learning paths in order to achieve the most sustainable development of digital capacities possible.

The project aims to bridge the gap between technological potential and administrative reality. Many AI projects fail not because of the technology itself, but because of a lack of governance, unclear responsibilities, or a lack of trust. "It's about teaching principles and skills - not individual tools. Tools change quickly, but fundamental concepts remain the same," explains project manager Gregor Eibl.

Against this backdrop, the curriculum deliberately focuses on a competency-based approach. It teaches the basics of AI use as well as in-depth knowledge of AI system development, risk assessment, and integration into existing administrative structures. There is a particular focus on legal and regulatory frameworks - from data protection and security requirements to the practical implementation of the EU AI Act, which is currently coming into force step by step and regulates the use of AI, including the prohibition of critical applications. "The correct use of AI always means considering legal, ethical, and organizational issues," says Viale Pereira.

Soft skills play an equally important role

In addition, AI4Gov Accelerate addresses competencies on several levels: individual, organizational, and systemic. In addition to technical and legal knowledge, soft skills such as critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and user-centered design also play a central role. The aim is to enable participants in the master's program to realistically evaluate AI projects, identify suitable areas of application, and bring innovation to their organizations.

The University for Continuing Education Krems contributes its many years of expertise in the areas of e-governance, digital transformation, and research-based continuing education to the project. It takes on leading roles in the development of extracurricular formats, including summer schools, practical challenges, and supervised internships in administration, science, and business. It also acts as the central point of contact for Austria and the German-speaking region.

Summer school as an important exchange format

A visible highlight is the annual AI4Gov Summer School, which takes place in Krems. In an intensive, week-long format, participants work on specific problems from their everyday professional lives - from the idea to the prototype to the presentation of a feasible solution. "The participants should be able to take their results back to their institutions and develop them further there," says Gregor Eibl, describing the aim.

The education program is complemented by the establishment of a European knowledge and innovation platform that promotes exchange between universities, public administration bodies and companies. AI applications can be tested and further developed in protected digital environments - known as sandboxes - without jeopardising real administrative processes. This creates a learning network that systematically links research, teaching and practice.

In the long term, Al4Gov Accelerate aims to train a new generation of AI-competent decision-makers in the public sector. In doing so, the project not only contributes to Europe's digital sovereignty, but also strengthens confidence in the responsible use of AI in government. Or, as Gabriela Viale Pereira puts it: "The core of the project is capacity building - knowledge and skills that remain and have an impact."

Project info

Project title: Al4Gov Accelerate (AI4GOV-X)

Funding body: European Union - Digital Europe Programme (HaDEA)

Funding code: Grant Agreement No. 101190043

Duration: 2024-2028

Project coordination: POLI.DESIGN S.C.R.L., Milan (Italiy)

Participation of the University for Continuing Education Krems:
Department of E-Governance and Administration
Management of work packages on extracurricular training, summer schools, practical formats, and skills development in German-speaking countries

[1] Governing with Artificial Intelligence: The Stateof Play and Way Forwardin Core Government Functions, OECD 2025

[2] The GenAI Divide STATEOF AI IN BUSINESS 2025, MIT 2025

Tags

• #E-Governance