Towards Sustainable and Resilient Economy: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Public Administration

Dear Colleagues,

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly pivotal in pushing public administration towards sustainability and resilience. Moreover, in the modern era, governments worldwide face multifaceted challenges ranging from environmental degradation to socio-economic inequalities and unforeseen crises. The available literature provides scant advice on how government entities and public administrators should confront the challenges posed by AI and enforce regulation to mitigate potential harm. Scholars widely agree that the primary challenge of our time is to advance towards a digital and intelligent administration and government (Hujran et al., 2023; Lemke et al., 2019; Tsampoulatidis et al., 2019). This involves strengthening rights and promoting inclusive technological development to protect the digital dignity of individuals (Henman, 2020; João et al., 2019; Agarwal, Pankaj, 2018). According to Purnomo et al. 2019, advancements in digital technology are transforming public service administration and streamlining information-sharing processes. Consequently, governments can enhance public services in line with smart city goals, boosting their accessibility and efficiency.

Digital transformation and artificial intelligence present significant hurdles across various sectors. Both central and local administrations of states require substantial and fundamental restructuring to streamline bureaucracy, minimize public expenses, and notably enhance the quality of services, productivity, accessibility, and transparency within public institutions (Chen et al., 2023; Madan and Ashok, 2023; Medaglia et al., 2023). By leveraging artificial intelligence-driven innovations in resource management, data analytics, crisis response, and citizen engagement, governments can build adaptive governance systems that anticipate and address the needs of present and future generations. However, realizing the full potential of AI hinges on the establishment of robust and forward-thinking public policies and requires a collaborative and inclusive approach that prioritizes ethical considerations, fosters innovation, and empowers communities to shape their own destinies in a rapidly changing world.

As academics and researchers, our responsibility lies in providing empirical evidence essential for shaping these policies. With this objective in mind, we are inviting submissions for a new Special Issue of Administrative Sciences. We are particularly interested in original research papers that delve into the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping public administration. Topics of interest include mechanisms governing AI usage in public administration, the integration of AI into public administration and its potential for building a sustainable and resilient economy, as well as guidelines and frameworks regulating the development, deployment, and utilization of AI systems within this domain. We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200-500 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the Guest Editors ([email protected], [email protected]) or to the Administrative Sciences editorial office ([email protected]). Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors to ensure proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

We welcome empirical contributions in the form of country-specific studies or international comparisons that explore the impact of artificial intelligence on reshaping public administration. These studies should culminate in actionable recommendations for both practitioners and theorists in the field. Our goal is to enrich the existing literature on this topic and contribute to enhanced public governance by providing dependable empirical evidence to inform the development of new public policies. 

Relevant theoretical perspectives may include (but are not limited to): 

• The implication of artificial intelligence in transforming public administration;
• Inclusive growth through AI-driven innovations;
• Artificial intelligence and bureaucracy;
• Efficient public resource management;
• Smart governance and decision-making efficiency;
• Innovation and economic growth;
• Smart infrastructure development, urban planning and transportation systems optimization;
• Climate change and sustainable natural resource management;
• The role of AI in supporting proactive interventions to mitigate climate change impacts;
• Public administration risks and challenges in the world of AI;
• Improving public services through artificial intelligence;
• E-governance as a step of new public management;
• Leveraging artificial intelligence for a circular economy. 

References 

Agarwal, Pankaj K. "Public administration challenges in the world of AI and bots." Public Administration Review 78.6 (2018): 917-921.

Chen, Yu-Che, Michael J. Ahn, and Yi-Fan Wang. "Artificial intelligence and public values: value impacts and governance in the public sector." Sustainability 15.6 (2023): 4796.

Henman, P. (2020). Improving public services using artificial intelligence: possibilities, pitfalls, governance. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration, 42(4), 209-221.

Hujran, O., Alarabiat, A., Al-Adwan, A. S., & Al-Debei, M. (2023). Digitally transforming electronic governments into smart governments: SMARTGOV, an extended maturity model. Information Development, 39(4), 811-834.

Lemke, F., Taveter, K., Erlenheim, R., Pappel, I., Draheim, D., & Janssen, M. (2020). Stage models for moving from e-government to smart government. In Electronic Governance and Open Society: Challenges in Eurasia: 6th International Conference, EGOSE 2019, St. Petersburg, Russia, November 13–14, 2019, Proceedings 6 (pp. 152-164). Springer International Publishing.

Madan, R., & Ashok, M. (2023). AI adoption and diffusion in public administration: A systematic literature review and future research agenda. Government Information Quarterly, 40(1), 101774.

Medaglia, Rony, J. Ramon Gil-Garcia, and Theresa A. Pardo. "Artificial intelligence in government: Taking stock and moving forward." Social Science Computer Review 41.1 (2023): 123-140.

Purnomo, Eko Priyo, Ghea Obisva, and Zulfiani Ayu Astutik. "Smart Government: The involvement of government towards public services in Yogyakarta for Smart Development." Available at SSRN 3505816 (2019).

Reis, João, Paula Espírito Santo, and Nuno Melão. "Impacts of artificial intelligence on public administration: A systematic literature review." 2019 14th Iberian conference on information systems and technologies (CISTI). IEEE, 2019.

Tsampoulatidis, Ioannis, Dimitrios Bechtsis, and Ioannis Kompatsiaris. "Moving from e-Gov to we-Gov and beyond: a blockchain framework for the digital transformation of cities." Smart Cities in the Post-Algorithmic Era. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019. 176-200. 

Dr. Anca Florentina Vatamanu
Dr. Diana-Camelia Iancu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Administrative Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• digital government
• digital administration
• intelligent administration
• artificial intelligence and public administration
• automated decision making
• sustainable and resilient economy

Title: The Role of AI in Promoting Green Conscious of the Citizens.

Abstract: In the contemporary world, where environmental issues are becoming critically important, raising public awareness about green initiatives and sustainable development is essential. This article explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting environmental consciousness among citizens. The research methodology includes the use of three primary technologies: Eye Tracking, Face Expression Analysis, and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Eye Tracking allows monitoring of user attention and identifies which elements of visualization attract the most attention. Face Expression Analysis helps detect emotional reactions to various visual and textual elements, while GSR measures physiological responses such as stress or arousal levels during interaction with the tool. The study utilized AI-generated images depicting the detrimental effects of climate change, and was conducted across different demographic groups. The results reveal the effectiveness of the AI in delivering environmental messages. These interactive visualizations created using AI can significantly increase environmental awareness among citizens. Such messages elicit greater engagement, positive emotional responses, and lower stress levels compared to standard messages. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of integrating AI into environmental communication strategies, which can greatly enhance the effectiveness of promoting green initiatives and supporting sustainable development. Keywords: green behavior; sustainable development; engagement; ads; promotion

Title: Enhancing financial stability through improved efficiency and risk management in public administration

Abstract: Financial stability in public administration can be enhanced by boosting efficiency and reinforcing risk management practices. By optimizing processes and leveraging advanced technologies, public entities can improve resource allocation and eliminate wasteful spending. Additionally, establishing comprehensive risk management frameworks enables better detection and mitigation of financial threats, resulting in a more resilient and stable financial landscape within the public sector. This paper examines the impact of enhanced efficiency and risk management on financial stability in several EU countries during the period from 2008 to 2020. The findings highlight important policy implications while taking into account the differences across sectors. Public authorities play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating inefficiencies in resource allocation within key economic sectors that are vital to the overall health of the economy. By focusing their interventions on these sectors, they can implement policies and strategies that not only improve resource distribution but also enhance overall efficiency. Through targeted interventions in critical economic sectors aimed at improving resource allocation, enhancing efficiency, and bolstering risk management, public authorities can play an essential role in promoting financial stability and systemic resilience within the economy. Keywords: financial stability, efficiency, risk management, public administration, resource allocation, financial threats

Title: The digital economy's contribution to advancing sustainable economic development

Abstract: This study examines the role of the digital economy in promoting sustainable economic development. The digital economy drives both resource efficiency and environmental conservation. Technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) help optimize resource use, decrease waste output, and support intelligent energy management. By digitizing processes and adopting data-driven solutions, organizations can enhance their sustainability efforts. The primary aim of this research is to support the government in formulating effective policies for the implementation of the digital economy and assessing its impact on sustainable economic development, particularly in EU countries. The effect of digitalization on the economy is influenced, among other factors, by the national economic structure, economic policies, institutions, and governance. Although the digital economy has experienced notable growth in EU countries, we observe that the degree of digitalization varies among countries in the euro area and the EU, reflecting differences in infrastructure, policy frameworks, investment in technology, and overall readiness to adopt digital solutions. Some countries excel in aspects like internet connectivity, e-governance, and digital services, whereas others are falling behind. This underscores the necessity for specific strategies aimed at improving digital capabilities throughout the region. Keywords: Digital economy, sustainable economic development, economic policies, good governance

Title: Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration: Challenges and Vulnerabilities

Abstract: Abstract: Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have garnered considerable interest from scholars and industry professionals, unveiling numerous advantageous opportunities for its application in government. Even if AI can push public administration towards sustainability and resilience, there is an increasing necessity for a thorough understanding of the range and impact of AI-based applications and advanced technologies, as well as the challenges and vulnerabilities that need to be carefully managed. Considering the absence of a thorough overview of AI-driven mechanisms and challenges within the public sector, this paper aims to highlight the challenges arising in the field of public affairs, particularly within the context of the smart cities framework, while taking into account the legal perspective that is inherently linked to it. By integrating retrospective and prospective analyses, our approach offers a robust framework for understanding the complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration. This dual perspective ensures a thorough and balanced view, facilitating the development of strategies that can better support the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into public administration, offering the potential to enhance efficiency, transparency, and effective and equitable public service delivery. We find that achieving sustainability and resilience necessitates a comprehensive strategy encompassing robust governance frameworks, legal and ethical considerations, stringent security measures, and proactive public engagement. By foreseeing and addressing these challenges, public administrations can leverage the power of AI, maintain public trust, and ensure fair and equitable service delivery. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Public Administration, Legal Challenges, Governance Frameworks, AI Governance, Smart Cities, Service Delivery