Building the Smarter State 2026: Delivering world leading public services

techUK's Building the Smarter State conference offers a unique opportunity to join over 200 senior leaders and decision-makers from across government and the technology sector to explore how innovation is transforming public services.

This year's event will spotlight real-world examples of digital excellence - both at home and abroad - covering themes including world-leading AI in the public sector, digital sovereignty, and resilience in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. With the UK government's Blueprint for Modern Digital Government and AI Opportunities Action Plan firmly on the agenda, attendees will gain direct insight into how policy is being turned into action.

We’re delighted to confirm that the morning keynote will be delivered by James Frith MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office.

The conference brings together an exceptional lineup of speakers, including Liisa Pakosta, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs of Estonia, Masahiro Ihara, Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer of GovTechTokyo, Matthew Dutton, Chief Technology Officer at the Home Office, Tiffany St James, Chief AI Officer for Liverpool City Region, and, Madeline Hoskin, Chief Technology Officer for North Yorkshire Council.

Sessions will tackle the full breadth of the digital transformation agenda - from responsible AI procurement and citizen-centred service design, to the lessons the UK can draw from some of the world's most advanced digital governments. Whether you are looking to benchmark your own organisation's approach, forge new connections, or stay ahead of the curve on public sector innovation, this is an essential event for anyone with a stake in building the smarter state.

Confirmed speakers:

• Liisa Pakosta, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs of Estonia

• Tiffany St James, Chief AI Officer, Liverpool City Region

• Sidsel Bülow Skovborg, Digitalisation Diplomat, Royal Danish Embassy

• Karl Hoods CBE, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, and Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

• Matthew Dutton, Chief Technology Officer, Home Office

• Masahiro Ihara, Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), GovTechTokyo

• Madeline Hoskin, Chief Technology Officer, North Yorkshire Council

• Kalbir Sohi, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO), Government Digital Service, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

The agenda includes:

• Delivering world class public services: Citizens have come to expect speed, clarity and quality from public services.  This keynote address will explore how government is looking to renew the public sector to deliver world class public services. 

• Delivering world-leading responsible AI-driven public services: The UK government is actively pursuing world-leading AI-driven public services. The panel will be an opportunity to discuss how will turn policy into action. Understanding how we capitalise on the opportunities AI, while mitigating any risks, to deliver better public service outcomes.  

• Procuring the smarter state: Delivering innovation and better citizen outcomes: This panel will rethink the role of procurement in delivering innovative public services.  It will examine how the procurement landscape is changing – including funding challenges, the use of AI, the impact of the Procurement Act – and what these differences mean for delivering better outcomes. 

• Securing resilience in a changing world: In an era defined by rapid technological shifts and geopolitical uncertainty, resilience has become more than a strategic advantage — it’s a necessity. This session explores what it truly means to build resilience a resilient digital government. 

• Global lessons, local impact: What governments can learn from each other: There is a world of digital best practice. This panel session will shine a spotlight on the good digital governance and processes happening at home and abroad. It will also explore the foundations put in place to enable a more innovative, smarter state.

• Fireside chat with Estonian Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta: This session offers an intimate, insightful conversation with an influential digital leader.  It provides a chance to step beyond formal presentations and explore the real stories, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping technology‑driven transformation.

Delegate profile

Previous delegates have included Digital Ministers, Chief Commercial Officers, and Chief Digital and Information Officers from Whitehall departments, local government, and UK cities.  



Book your ticket today.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZSah0cxn7ec

Event details:

Location: Central London

Timing: All day conference

Tickets: 

• techUK member rate (SME): £240+VAT

• techUK member rate (standard): £300+VAT 

• Non-member rate : £400+VAT (only £360+VAT if you purchase your ticket before 30 April)

Public Sector - this event is free to attend for public sector delegates, if you have any issues registering please contact Flagship Events Team

Please note: a refund will be given on cancellations received in writing 6 weeks prior to the event. Regrettably no refunds can be given after this date. Full terms and conditions can be viewed here.

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