26 Unlocking AI opportunities Microsoft’s Philippe Rogge explores how agentic AI is impacting the public sector, and why organisations are embracing the new wave of technology Agentic AI brings unique opportunities for public sector organisations to create value for the citizens they serve. But as leaders embrace these capabilities, it’s vital they also manage the risks. Philippe Rogge, corporate vice president for worldwide public sector at Microsoft, is passionate about the prospects facing this traditionally conservative sector as it emerges into the AI spotlight. You spent 12 years at Microsoft before moving on, then returned in July 2025. What did you learn during your time away and what drew you back? I’ve learned it is healthy to step out of your bubble from time to time. I've always had a curious mind, and technology is just one of my interests. I originally joined Microsoft at an incredible time of technology and cultural transformation, but after 12 years, my curiosity drew me in a different direction. I had a great time working with another company, but I kicked myself when I realised I’d left Microsoft six months before the ChatGPT moment! Rejoining Microsoft, the company at the forefront of AI transformation, felt amazing. My current role fits perfectly with my interest in the intersection of technology and geopolitics. How are today’s geopolitical challenges impacting the public sector? We’re facing a technological inflexion point with AI and the evolving cyberthreat. This has caused an awakening in a sector that is traditionally conservative about technology adoption. Governments are grappling with demographic challenges, fiscal deficits and increasing budget pressures. AI – and especially agentic AI – can help them to significantly improve the way they deliver public services. That is incredibly valuable to them and they’re really embracing this new wave of technology. At the same time, the cyberthreat has never been bigger and the attack surfaces have moved. As targets like energy companies become better equipped to combat threats, attackers are looking at schools, hospitals, libraries and local and regional governments. Geopolitical changes are intertwined with these influences. Concepts of sovereignty have always existed, but the tectonic plates have shifted since the fall of the Berlin Wall and we’re now in a multi-polar world. I think the world is resetting and coming to terms with that, and every government will need to adjust and adapt. Microsoft is well placed to support public sector organisations as they navigate the changing landscape. We’ve invested in sovereign clouds and the European Union data boundary since 2023 and we have an incredible capacity to anticipate the shifts affecting our customers. A lot of the world runs on our technology, so we are committed to continue providing that understanding and agility. What does cyber resilience mean in practice for public sector leaders, and where should they prioritise their investment? Cyberthreats and sovereignty are often seen as separate issues, but in today’s world they intersect and it’s important we keep them both on the same spectrum. Cybersecurity exposures like ransomware attacks or data exfiltration are the most worrying way of losing the sovereignty of your systems. BY ANDY CLAYTON-SMITH EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW
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