On July 19, INTOSAI Working Group on Impact of Science and Technology on Audit (WGISTA) held a webinar "The Future of Auditing: Unveiling Emerging Tech Tools".

Representatives from the U.S. Government Accountability Office gave presentations on the key S&T projects highlighted in the GAO Spotlight:

• Brain Computer Interface – direct communication pathway between the brain's electrical activity and an external device
• Digital twins – virtual models of people, procedures and objects
• Generative Artificial Intelligence – AI systems capable of generating text, images or other data in response to specialized queries

The presentation by Mr. Mirko Iaconisi, Attaché of the European Court of Auditors, discussed the key features of blockchain technology from the perspective of the audit community. First, the integrity and accuracy of data, coupled with full and constantly available transaction history, opens up opportunities for in-depth analysis and real-time monitoring of financial transactions. Secondly, the "single-shared ledger" reduces the need for intermediaries.

The report by Mr. Chris Tyler, Director of Public Policy, Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy, University College London, focused on the activities of national and supranational networks of technology assessment institutes specializing in advising public authorities around the world. The expert presented a classification of such systems in Europe according to the nature of its mandate and the advised authority.

At the end of the event, Mr. Antons Ponomarjovs, Senior Manager at the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), gave a presentation on the latest IDI technological innovations aimed at supporting SAIs’ activities worldwide. Speaker presented LOTA Pioneer educational program designed to develop professional potential of SAIs’ employees through interagency communication and mentoring.