Algorithmic accountability is a concept that has been gaining interest in academic and professional circles, especially when considering the potential negative impacts of Artificial Intelligence in diverse scenarios. In this article, and following a set of research questions ((a) How is the concept of algorithmic accountability defined in the academic literature?; (b) Which stakeholders are involved in the algorithmic accountability ecosystem and how are the relationships between them?; and (c) What is the role of the public sector in the algorithmic accountability ecosystem?), we present the results of an exploratory study based on a systematic literature review and in-depth interviews to advance the understanding of the algorithmic accountability definition, the dynamics within the ecosystem of such processes, and the role of the public sector as a key player of algorithmic accountability. We also offer some practical recommendations for fostering an accountability ecosystem that accommodates the complexities of algorithmic systems, through multi-stakeholder collaboration, public regulation and oversight, and citizen participation.

Online hate speech is a pressing societal issue that is proving particularly difficult for governments to solve. Indeed, governments trying to tackle this issue must at the same time consider the transnational dimension of online speech, the pre-existing liability framework for social media companies, the fundamental rights of online users such as their right to freedom of expression and a rapidly changing technological environment, where companies develop their own solutions based on algorithmic processes. To address online hate speech, European Member States and the European Union have started implementing an innovative regulatory approach, based on extensive collaboration with the private sector.

The proposed paper investigates how governments in Europe, in regulating online hate speech, engage with the private sector in innovative and collaborative ways. The paper details how, in this new regulatory approach, social media companies are used by governments to act as regulatory intermediaries. This situation raises new questions, notably about the capacity and legitimacy of for-profit companies to efficiently contribute to the realization of public policy goals. With this study, the paper aims to contribute to discussing the consequences of governments using innovative policy implementation strategies in the digital realm.

Digital government, recognized as an important tool to promote government transformation and build government's capability, has been diffusing across multiple jurisdictions because of its unique advantages in enhancing administration efficiency, improving transparency, and providing better public service. There are multiple forces driving digital government diffusion, such as coercion from higher-level governments, desire to replicate successful results achieved by other governments, or strategies to compete with peer governments and organizations ( Graham, Shipan, & Volden, 2013). However, under the influence of these integrated forces, the digital government diffusion encounters challenges such as failing to achieve intended objectives and being used as a symbol for political performance assessment (Tan, Zhao, & Zhang, 2022). Therefore, it is crucial for governments aiming to promote government transformation to further explore what factors are in accounting for digital government diffusion and how digital government innovations diffuse throughout the public sectors. Although there is increasing research on digital government diffusion, it is fragmented, lacking systematic summarization, and facing certain issues. One issue is that the nuances between adoption and diffusion are not clearly classified in the current studies. There are two stages of innovation diffusion, consisting of adoption and implementation. Understanding diffusion from the scope of implementation, rather than solely focusing on a single act of adoption, can offer a more accurate portrayal of innovation diffusion (Tolbert, Mossberger, & McNeal, 2008). Another issue is the absence of systematic summarization of the various factors affecting digital government diffusion. Therefore, an updated systematic literature review of digital government diffusion is crucial for clearly mapping the accumulated outcomes of digital government diffusion. Hence, the research questions in this paper are: What is the definition of digital government diffusion? What factors are crucial for digital government diffusion and what challenges are there? How is the dynamic process of digital government diffusion?

To address these concerns, we conduct a comprehensive systematic literature review by following the rigorous guidance proposed by Kitchenham et al (2009). We collected a total of 49 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science that discuss digital government diffusion. Articles were assessed in their entirety, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the selection of relevant studies. After reviewing the 49 articles, we synthesized the definition of digital government diffusion, classifying the nuances between adoption and diffusion. We will present an overview of vital influencing factors and found that institutional factors attracted the most research interest, followed by organizational factors, while cultural and technological factors were considered less important. This suggests that decisions regarding the implementation of digital government are much out of the consideration of social fitness rather than economic fitness. Furthermore, we identified potential research agendas for studying digital government diffusion. The results of this systematic literature review contribute to providing a clear map for studying digital government diffusion. More importantly, it offers recommendations for governments to promote innovation diffusion, and reach the objectives of enhancing government capabilities and advancing the process of government transformation through digital government diffusion.

Digital Transformation has emerged as a driving force in the public sector. This transformation is not merely a superficial adoption of new technologies but a comprehensive overhaul of processes, mindsets, and organizational cultures. At the heart of this transformation lie Emerging and Disruptive Technologies – innovations that challenge traditional practices and offer radically different approaches to addressing long-standing challenges. These technologies, ranging from Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data Analytics, hold the potential to revolutionize the way public services are conceived, designed, and delivered. As Public Administration navigates this uncharted territory, a holistic approach that encompasses organizational restructuring, capacity building, and policy reforms is essential. It is a journey that demands continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change while upholding the fundamental principles of good governance.