Conference Agenda

Introduction

Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft) stated “AI will be part of our daily lives, and it is our responsibility to ensure it is used responsibly to solve humanity’s biggest problems, not deepen inequalities.” As the world changes rapidly and inequalities deepen, the role of AI and emerging technologies demands urgent attention and discussion. Even more so at IASIA, which is dedicated to advancing public administration through education, research, and the exchange of ‘smart practices’ in governance, the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics introduces both unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges for public administration worldwide. While these technologies hold immense potential to enhance efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement in governance, their effective and ethical integration into public sector operations remains a complex endeavour.

Many public sector organisations grapple with issues such as digital divides, data privacy concerns, cybersecurity threats, the need for new skill sets among public servants, and the adaptation of existing legal and regulatory frameworks to accommodate technological innovation (Criado et al., 2020; Janssen & van der Voort, 2020). The traditional bureaucratic structures often struggle to keep pace with the dynamic nature of technological change, leading to a potential disconnect between governmental capacity and societal expectations for digitally enabled public services. This working group proposal aims to critically examine the multifaceted implications of technology on governance. It seeks to identify the key challenges and opportunities arising from this intersection, explore best practices in technological adoption and policy formulation, and propose actionable strategies for building resilient, responsive, and ethically sound digital governance ecosystems. The ultimate purpose is to foster a deeper understanding of how public administrations can harness technology to improve public service delivery, strengthen democratic processes, and ensure equitable access to digital resources, thereby shaping a future of governance that is both innovative and inclusive.

The new IASIA Working Group will focus om the critical intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in the Public Sector. This working group will provide a collaborative and interdisciplinary platform for scholars and practitioners to explore this dynamic and fast developing field. By fostering a global network of experts and promoting collaborative research, this working group will contribute to building more agile, transparent, and citizen-centric public sectors in the digital age.

Key questions

● How can AI and emerging technologies improve transparency and accountability in the public sector?

● In what ways can AI enhance efficiency and effectiveness in public services?

● How can emerging technologies improve service delivery?

● What best practices relevant to Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in the Public Sector exist?

● What are the risks of job displacement due to automation in public service roles?

● How can emerging technologies bridge the digital divide in underserved communities?

● What are the most critical challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies in different socio-economic contexts?

● How can the public sector foster a culture of innovation in support of AI and new technologies?

● What are the ethical implications of using AI and other advanced technologies in public service delivery, and how can these be addressed through policy and regulation?

● How can public-private partnerships be effectively structured to promote innovation while ensuring public accountability and equity?

● Can AI help governments better predict and respond to crises (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters)?

● What new skills and competencies are required for public servants in the digital age, and how can these be developed through education and training programs?

● How can technology be used to enhance citizen participation and democratic accountability in governance?

● What barriers hinder AI adoption in developing countries’ public sectors?

● How will AI and digital technologies reshape the role of governments around the world in the next decade?

Bibliography

Criado, J. I., Dias, T. F., Sano, H., Rojas-Martín, F., Silvan, A., & Filho, A. I. 2020. Public Innovation and Living Labs in Action: A Comparative Analysis in post-New Public Management Contexts. International Journal of Public Administration, 44(6), 451–464. https://doi.org/10.1080/01900692.2020.1729181

Janssen, M., & van der Voort, H. 2020. The Challenges of Digital Transformation in Public Administration. Government Information Quarterly, 37(4): 101500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2020.101500

Mergel, I., Ganapati, S., & Whitford, A. B. 2021. Agile Government: A Guide to Adaptive Governance. Public Administrative Review, 81(1):163-165. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13202