Rebooting a Nation: The Incredible Rise of Estonia, E-Government and the Startup Revolution

Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publish date: 2025
Pages: 304
Binding: Paperback
Language: English

Subjects: Business & Money, Economics, Development & Growth, History, Russia, Politics & Social Sciences, Politics & Government, International & World Politics

Three decades after gaining independence from the Soviet Union, Estonia is a nation transformed. Today, the country is known worldwide as a startup hub, boasting billion-dollar companies including Wise, Veriff and Bolt--but even more impressive are Tallinn's pioneering efforts in e-government. With 99 per cent of government services digitalized and accessible online, citizens can vote via computer, or file their taxes online in minutes; and Estonia's use of artificial intelligence to enhance and automate its offering to citizens long predates ChatGPT.

Drawing on his experience as a former official for the Republic of Estonia, Joel Burke offers unique insight into the country's rapid rise as a tech and e-government powerhouse since the turn of the century. From the founding of Skype to the future of the e-state, he unveils the tactics and stories behind Estonia's spectacular journey--after years of Soviet occupation and mismanagement--to global tech leadership. For those hoping to learn from Estonia's incredible story, Burke offers insights into the government's use of AI, its creation of a digital society, and its cultivation of a culture driving public-sector creativity and innovation. Rebooting a Nation is an informative and entertaining masterclass in Estonia's modern history.