P36 Emerging Technologies and the Transformation of the Public Sector
Panel Chairs
Corresponding chair
Dr. Evrim Tan – KU Leuven, Belgium evrim.tan@kuleuven.be
Review group chair
Prof. Dr. Sorin Dan – University of Vaasa, Finland
Co-Chairs
Dr. A. Paula Rodriguez Müller - Joint Research Centre – European Commission, Spain
Prof. Dr. Khuram Shahzad – University of Vaasa, Finland
Dr. Luca Tangi - Joint Research Centre – European Commission, Italy
Description of the panel
As emerging technologies such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the metaverse, and immersive technologies continue to reshape the roles, capacities, and skills within public administration, it becomes crucial to rethink traditional governance structures and adapt to the changing landscape. This panel recognizes that digital transformation impacts not only public administrations but also the political, market, and societal spheres of public governance. These technologies also bring forth multidimensional challenges and raise new questions concerning automation, decentralization, and the dehumanization of public services. Such issues not only invoke administrative, financial, and managerial considerations but also raise ethical and moral challenges in finding the right balance between technology adoption and societal well-being.
This panel aims to examine the influence of emerging technologies on the dynamics of public management and governance and their implications for effective and responsible digital governance practices. The panel has two cross-cutting goals. First, it calls for papers that explore the changing role of emerging technologies in government functions such as service delivery, decision-making, accountability mechanisms, public value(s) creation, administrative models, and governance approaches. Secondly, it seeks papers that delve into new concepts and reflections driven by technological advancements. Potential topics include the impact of new technologies on automated systems, digital identities and personal data, trustworthiness and ethical considerations, human-computer interactions, and the design of centralized vs. decentralized solutions. Moreover, the panel encourages dialogue and knowledge exchange among scholars and professionals through interactive discussions. By bringing together researchers and practitioners, the panel aims to facilitate the exchange of insights, experiences, and innovative ideas that contribute to the advancement of the theoretical understanding and practical implementation of new digital governance (Tan & Crompvoets, 2022; Dunleavy & Margetts, 2023). Through these topical focuses, the panel aims to equip scholars and professionals in public management with the knowledge and insights necessary to prepare themselves and public sector organizations for the digital future.
In line with the IRSPM 2025 topical focus, this year we expect the papers to address the impact of emerging technologies on social dynamics in public governance, engaging with topics such as social equity, civic engagement, social capital, and environmental sustainability.
The panel is open to a diverse range of research methods to examine the multifaceted aspects of the impact of emerging technologies in public governance. We are looking for empirical studies, case analyses, comparative research, and policy evaluations to gain insights into the implementation, impact, and challenges of emerging technologies in public administration.
The panel will be composed of standard panel presentations with respondents. Each paper will be assigned a discussant among participants in addition to the comments of the chairs.
References
Dunleavy, P, and H. Margetts (2023). Data science, artificial intelligence and the third wave of digital era governance. Public Policy and Administration.
Tan, E. and J. Crompvoets (2022). Chapter 1: A new era of Digital governance. In E.Tan and J. Crompvoets (eds.) The New Digital Era Governance: How new digital technologies are shaping public governance? Wageningen Academic Publishers.