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How do we Create Digital Nations? - Siim Sikkut
In today’s episode, I chat with Siim Sikkut, the former CIO of the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Communications for the government of Estonia, one of the architects of that country’s truly innovative e-Residency Program, and most recently, a Managing Director at Digital Nation.
In 2007, a series of cyberattacks targeted websites of Estonian organizations, including Estonian parliament, banks, ministries, newspapers and broadcasters. While ultimately these attempts were unsuccessful, it was a call-to-action for nation states to take more seriously their digital infrastructure and security.
It undoubtedly influenced his later work. In 2014, along with two collaborators, he presented the first real concrete proposal for e-Residency at the Estonian Development Foundation. And a program specific to foreign investors was born. Over time it was expanded to create a bureaucracy-free safe haven for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and freelancers. And it’s become a model for other nation states considering a similar value proposition.
His latest venture, Digital Nation, leans heavily on those experiences; launching ‘future-ready digital societies’ that overcome traditional barriers; informing digital strategy, policy and application for clients around the globe.
This was a particularly fascinating discussion; an intersection of Siim’s experiences in government organizations, and mine from the private enterprise. We talked at length about his professional journey, accomplishments, and how they ultimately informed his latest venture.
It was such a pleasure connecting with Siim. And I hope you enjoy it.
Siim Sikkut
Siim Sikkut led the digital government and digital policy area in the Government of Estonia for 10 years, most recently as the Government CIO from 2017 to 2022. Siim has been recognized as one of the world’s TOP20 most influential people in digital government.
Siim currently advises governments and leaders on digital strategy, the leadership and governance for its delivery, digital service reforms, and public sector innovation. He is a Managing Partner at Digital Nation, a digital advisory network helping to build future-ready digital societies globally.
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Thinking Inside the Box
Constraints drive innovation. We tackle the most complex issues related to work & culture. And if you enjoy the work we’re doing here, consider giving us a 5-star rating, leaving a comment & subscribing. It ensures you get updated whenever we release new content & really helps amplify our message.
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Matt Burns
Matt Burns is an award-winning executive, social entrepreneur and speaker. He believes in the power of community, simplicity & technology.
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By Matt Burns
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In today’s episode, I chat with Siim Sikkut, the former CIO of the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Communications for the government of Estonia, one of the architects of that country’s truly innovative e-Residency Program, and most recently, a Managing Director at Digital Nation.
In 2007, a series of cyberattacks targeted websites of Estonian organizations, including Estonian parliament, banks, ministries, newspapers and broadcasters. While ultimately these attempts were unsuccessful, it was a call-to-action for nation states to take more seriously their digital infrastructure and security.
It undoubtedly influenced his later work. In 2014, along with two collaborators, he presented the first real concrete proposal for e-Residency at the Estonian Development Foundation. And a program specific to foreign investors was born. Over time it was expanded to create a bureaucracy-free safe haven for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and freelancers. And it’s become a model for other nation states considering a similar value proposition.
His latest venture, Digital Nation, leans heavily on those experiences; launching ‘future-ready digital societies’ that overcome traditional barriers; informing digital strategy, policy and application for clients around the globe.
This was a particularly fascinating discussion; an intersection of Siim’s experiences in government organizations, and mine from the private enterprise. We talked at length about his professional journey, accomplishments, and how they ultimately informed his latest venture.
It was such a pleasure connecting with Siim. And I hope you enjoy it.
Siim Sikkut
Siim Sikkut led the digital government and digital policy area in the Government of Estonia for 10 years, most recently as the Government CIO from 2017 to 2022. Siim has been recognized as one of the world’s TOP20 most influential people in digital government.
Siim currently advises governments and leaders on digital strategy, the leadership and governance for its delivery, digital service reforms, and public sector innovation. He is a Managing Partner at Digital Nation, a digital advisory network helping to build future-ready digital societies globally.
LinkedIn
Website
Thinking Inside the Box
Constraints drive innovation. We tackle the most complex issues related to work & culture. And if you enjoy the work we’re doing here, consider giving us a 5-star rating, leaving a comment & subscribing. It ensures you get updated whenever we release new content & really helps amplify our message.
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Website
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Spotify
Stitcher
Pocket Cast
Matt Burns
Matt Burns is an award-winning executive, social entrepreneur and speaker. He believes in the power of community, simplicity & technology.
LinkedIn
Twitter