DSA Policy Briefing | The Algorithmic State Architecture (ASA): An integrated framework for AI-enabled government

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This policy briefing is a plain-language summary of The Algorithmic State Architecture (ASA): An Integrated Framework for AI-Enabled Government set out by Engin, Crowcroft, Hand and Treleaven (2025). Governments are using artificial intelligence more and more: to deliver services, to build evidence for policy, and to support or automate decisions. In most places, these tools are introduced one area at a time, each with its own budget, rules and goals. This policy briefing explains why that piecemeal approach often holds digital programmes back, and what a more joined-up approach looks like. ASA brings together four established fields and treats them as interdependent layers: digital public infrastructure (the foundation layer) data for policy (the intelligence layer) algorithmic government (the process layer) GovTech (the service layer) Each layer builds on and enables the others. Looking at the experience of Estonia, Singapore, India and the United Kingdom, the briefing finds that success depends less on excellence in any one layer than on how well the layers work together. It also depends on governance developing in step with technology. The briefing covers: why fragmented adoption holds governments back what makes each layer succeed or fail how the layers depend on one another four national experiences a practical lens for assessing maturity recommendations for policymakers It is written for policymakers, public servants and practitioners who shape or deliver digital transformation in government. Published by The Digital Statecraft Academy, September 2026. For inquiries: office@digitalstatecraft.academy