The Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering of the University of the Aegean invites the academic and local communities of the ERUA regions to apply for the ERUA Summer School on Digital Government: OpenGov2026, taking place on the island of Samos, from 6 to 10 July 2026.
The OpenGov2026 summer school will focus on technologies and applications for Government 3.0, an increasingly dynamic, interdisciplinary, and impactful field at the intersection of governance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, public policy, and democratic innovation. Participants will be offered a unique opportunity to engage with internationally recognised scientists, researchers, and practitioners in the field of ICT-enabled governance, while developing practical and research-oriented skills in policy modelling, information management, disruptive technologies in governance, and data-driven decision-making.
Scope and Objectives
OpenGov2026 aims to advance participants’ understanding of Open and Collaborative Governance through workshops, interactive sessions, and interdisciplinary discussions on emerging digital governance practices and technologies. The programme explores how disruptive ICTs, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, big and open linked data, large language models, and policy simulation tools, are transforming public administration, policymaking, and democratic participation. Particular emphasis is placed on e-democracy, citizen engagement, transparency, accountability, and data-driven governance within the evolving Government 3.0 paradigm.
Eligibility
OpenGov2026 welcomes applications from all ERUA regions:
- PhD students and researchers interested in open government, data-driven governance, digital democracy, and public sector innovation
- Professionals working on e-government, open data, AI governance, policy modelling, transparency, privacy, and democratic participation
- Senior administrators, policy advisors, government officials, and agency members interested in understanding how emerging technologies transform governance and public administration
Benefits
- Direct interaction with leading international scholars and experts
- Practical workshops and collaborative sessions
- Networking opportunities with researchers and professionals from across Europe and beyond
- Exposure to emerging research and innovation in digital governance
- An inspiring learning experience on the island of Samos
Apply now! Applications may be submitted until 12 of June, by completing the online application form available here. Please note that at the end of the application form, you should indicate that you are applying as a student from an ERUA university. Students from ERUA universities are eligible for a fee waiver and are kindly requested to contact their local ERUA offices regarding travel compensation options.
For more information, please visit the OpenGov2026 website here.
