The Application of Generative AI and Machine Learning in the Public Sector and Smart Cities

Dear Colleagues,

The generative AI revolution is making headlines daily, with new models that not only outperform their predecessors but also rival—and, in some cases, surpass—human capabilities. Similarly, cutting-edge AI technologies, such as self-driving vehicles, drones, and humanoid robots, are set to transform our cities, logistics networks, and factories. 

These advancements have the potential to reshape urban life, offering 24/7 on-demand mobility and bridging bureaucratic gaps with services that are equitable, easy to understand, and tailored to the diverse needs of citizens. This represents one of the most significant transformations in urban design and public administration in centuries. However, the public sector continues to lag behind, missing opportunities to deliver more transparent, efficient, democratic, and equitable services.

This Special Issue seeks to examine the current state of these transformations by highlighting pilot projects and best practices, while also exploring future opportunities for cities and public policy planning. We invite contributions that showcase real-world initiatives as well as visionary roadmaps that spark discussions about what a 21st century public sector should look like.

With this in mind, we aim to attract scholarly contributions that address (but are not limited to) the following research questions:

• Gen AI chatbots, transactional and non-transactional;
• Gen AI chatbots in WeChat and WhatsApp;
• Agent-based AI for public services;
• Personalized agent-based AI for public services;
• Future mobility;
• AI infrastructure in cities; 
• Governance to ensure privacy and fair use of gen and frontier A.I.;
• Citizen participation in Gen AI public services;
• Future mobility governance;
• Public self-driving mobility and 15 m. city. 

Dr. Esteve Almirall
Guest Editor

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