Government digital web

Tuesday, Nov 4

(1 out of 4 tracks – view full program for Tuesday, Nov 4 )

Join us on the Government Digital Web conference track as we explore the evolving landscape of government digital services in preparation for 2026. Over the years, we have made significant strides since the inception of government websites, yet challenges persist.

Immerse yourself in this conference track where we gather international inspiration, uncovering successful strategies and effective approaches to address sensitive topics that audiences may be reluctant to hear. Gain valuable insights from various perspectives, including both agencies and government entities, enabling you to gather actionable takeaways for your 2026 projects.

Together, let’s navigate the intricacies of government digital web services, exchange knowledge, and discover innovative solutions. Be part of this enriching experience, where we embrace the future of government digital services while recognizing the complexities inherent in their implementation.

Track Leader
Janus Boye

Founder, Boye & Co

Breakfast & Registration

08:00 – 09:00 · Thursday, Nov 6

Welcome to the conference

09:00 – 09:15 · Tuesday, Nov 4

On AI, digital sovereignty and web sustainability

09:15 – 10:30 · Tuesday, Nov 4

We will open the conference track on three different, yet notable 2025 themes:

AI: How is it really impacting our work and what’s the true price of the enourmouse growth in usage, especially of GenAI? Let’s talk about what we really get for this and let’s also cover when not to use AI.

Digital Sovereignty: This topic has grown from almost out of nowhere to suddenly being a big topic for discussion. What does it really mean, how far have we come this year and are we willing to pay extra to reclaim our digital sovereignty.

Web Sustainability: The negative impacts of our digital platforms are enormous and Thorsten will show and discuss what we can and should do about it, but also prove why it is a business and cost-savings factor.

Each part of the session will include enough room for your questions and reflection

Coffee, tea & networking

10:30 – 10:45 · Tuesday, Nov 4

Goodbye frustration: Creating Positive Connections Between People and Public Authorities

10:45 – 12:00 · Tuesday, Nov 4

As a citizen, what associations do I have when dealing with public authorities? Does it depend on the nature of the matter, or how I can get it done?

Does it make a difference which country I live in?

Let us discuss our different experiences and think together about how we can develop digital solutions that generate positive feelings.

Svenja Wiegemann (DE)

Digital Transformation Expert, City of Hamburg

Lunch

12:00 – 13:00 · Thursday, Nov 6

Design in the time of distrust

13:00 – 14:15 · Tuesday, Nov 4

Trust in government isn’t a given: as geopolitical tensions arise, the ruthless pace of technology can easily erode citizens’ confidence in their institutions, even in countries where that trust has been a political staple for decades.

In this talk we will reflect on some of the lessons learnt while designing for innovation for the UK government.

Paola Roccuzzo (UK)

Experience director, Foolproof

Coffee, Tea & Networking​

14:15 – 14:45 · Tuesday, Nov 4

What Comes Next: Shaping the Future Together

14:45 – 15:45 · Tuesday, Nov 4

As the day closes, we’ll take a step back from the buzzwords and look ahead.

AI, sovereignty, trust, sustainability — the conversations today show how far we’ve come, but also how much remains uncertain.

In this closing dialogue, we’ll explore what’s still missing from our collective digital agenda. What do we not yet understand about how technology should serve people, and where should governments lead — or hold back?

Together, we’ll surface the questions, ideas, and ambitions that can guide the next chapter of public digital work. This is not a wrap-up; it’s a look forward — a chance to connect the dots, challenge assumptions, and imagine what “good digital government” might mean in 2026 and beyond.

Wrap-up & key learnings

15:45 – 16:00 · Tuesday, Nov 4

Coffee, Tea & Networking​

16:00 – 16:15 · Thursday, Nov 6

How to strategise like a pessimist (and design a better future anyway)

16:15 – 17:00 · Tuesday, Nov 4

Keynote

Remember when we believed good design would make the world a better place? That if we just worked hard enough, companies would see its value and put people first? Yeah… about that.

At the moment, user-centered design can feel more like a nice-to-have. Shareholder value trumps building products people actually want, AI gimmicks flood the backlogs, restructurings hit mid-project, and layoffs abound. It’s enough to make even the most optimistic designer question their job choice.

But before you go full nihilist, hear me out: pessimism might actually be our best tool to get through this. The hopeful kind—one that sharpens our strategies, helps us play the long game, and makes designers harder to sideline. Let’s talk about why pessimism makes us stronger
strategists.

Hertje Brodersen
Hertje Brodersen (DE)

Strategic Designer

Informal city walk

17:10 – 18:30 · Tuesday, Nov 4

Social Event

Meet at the registration desk for a small guided tour of Aarhus
Highlights include Hesitation of Light, former Gestapo HQ, Latin Quarter, Endless Connections, Magic Mushrooms, and the famous Rainbow Panorama.

Conference Dinner

18:30 – 22:00 · Tuesday, Nov 4

Social Event

On the evening of Conference Day #1, everybody who has arrived in Aarhus is welcome to join us for an informal evening dinner in a nice setting.

Our friends at Manyone at hosting us on Åboulevarden 31 and the pizzas will be from Il Locale