Rebooting a Nation

How did a small post-Soviet state become a digital powerhouse, producing world-leading tech companies and pioneering policies for remote citizenship?

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. Even more impressive are Tallinn's pioneering efforts in e-government. With 99 per cent of government services digitalised and accessible online, citizens can vote via computer or file their taxes online in minutes. 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, Estonia has reached global tech leadership. For those hoping to learn from Estonia's incredible journey, 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.

Rebooting a Nation is part of our New Perspectives on Eastern Europe and Eurasia series.

'[A] timely book ... on Estonia's transformation into a thriving tech hub.' - Financial Times