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The UK government’s digital transformation: how did it come about?

GOV.UK is intended to be the single point of online access for UK government information and services. The project leader in the Government Digital Service recounts the transformation in the early 2010s of over 2,500 fragmented public websites into a ‘boring’ but efficient and award-winning site.

Playfair prize

Student data journalism
Science, technology & innovation

Who trusts AI?

AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini have exploded in popularity over the last couple years. But while their adoption has undoubtably grown at a staggering speed, less is known about public attitudes towards the trustworthiness of these systems.

DATA HUB

Greenland Ice Sheet: mass loss & sea level rise

Since 1972, Greenland's Ice Sheet has shrunk by approximately 6,200 gigatonnes, a trend which accelerated markedly in the 1990s, and corresponds to an almost 18 mm rise in global mean sea level.

As well as the direct environmental impact, less ice means longer Arctic shipping seasons. For example, navigable days for ice-capable ships along the Northern Sea Route have grown by around 18 days since 2008.

Longer seasons and new routes are likely to reshape Arctic shipping and intensify strategic competition over its waterways.

Crime, policing & justice

Will digital failures undermine trust in the justice system?

Multiple reports of digital systems failures in the justice system have emerged in recent months. These incidents highlight a central tension in justice reform: while digital tools may improve efficiency and accessibility, they also introduce risks that can erode public trust in legal institutions.

Trade & supply chains

Global defence spending: What next for European military procurement?

With its fragmented production process, European defence procurement is inefficient and uncompetitive in comparison to the United States. A new approach, prioritising cross-country collaborations, could improve things, but would not be without its own challenges.

Aid & international development

What are the big economic challenges facing the government in Iran?

Policy-makers in Iran face numerous economic challenges. The impacts of Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine – together with longer-term issues related to high unemployment, rising inflation and worsening corruption – represent a difficult puzzle for Ebrahim Raisi’s government to solve.

Trade & supply chains

What effects have energy sanctions had on Russia’s ability to wage war?

Despite facing unprecedented sanctions on its energy exports, Russia continues to earn hundreds of billions of dollars a year from oil and gas – directly funding military aggression in Ukraine. While sanctions have had a noticeable impact, they have failed to end the war.

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