The government is continuing to push ahead with technology investment, with several AI announcements coming out this week.

Following AI Campaign Week earlier this year, in this issue of Government Technology, Usman Ikhlaq from techUK highlights some of the takeaways and how AI can help the public sector. Meanwhile, we have a case study looking at Derby City Council's introduction of the UK’s first generative AI phone assistant for the public sector.

Sally Kimber from Wiltshire Council talks about how technology can help councils prepare when merging into a unitary and Manchester City Council share how they've been involved in the EU Horizon CommuniCity programme.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance discusses how local communities can bridge the digital divide and SOCITM share how reimagining services beyond the limitations of existing cultural, administrative, organisational and structural borders is becoming an overriding trend for local governments.

We've also got features looking at data, cybersecurity and education.

Polly Jones, editor