Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Public Administration
Chapter from the book:
Şahin,
A.
(ed.)
2024.
Current Public Administration Practices.
Synopsis
Artificial Artificial intelligence technology, which is developing at a dizzying pace today, is now present in every aspect of life. Artificial intelligence technology has a great power that seriously transforms every field in which it exists. With this transformation created by artificial intelligence technology, the needs and demands of society are also changing. As a matter of fact, the demands of citizens from both the private sector and public administration have become quite different. In order to respond to these demands, private sector organizations are rapidly adapting to the transformation, while public administrations are lagging behind compared to the private sector. Although public administrations follow the transformation behind, public administrators have no hesitation about the necessity of transformation. However, it does not seem easy to carry out this revolutionary digital transformation in a balanced manner. Although it is a reality that the transformation in question has many advantages, it also has many difficulties. Artificial intelligence technology, which realizes the transformation, comes with a number of challenges in terms of ethics, legality, finance, and the labor force. On the other hand, since artificial intelligence aspires to radically change many areas such as public policy, the labor force, and public service in different ways, this issue needs to be particularly emphasized. Therefore, the main purpose of this chapter is to explain how artificial intelligence technologies transform public administration in terms of public policies, human resources, public service, challenges, and legal regulations. In line with this purpose, the concept of artificial intelligence is first explained. Then, the current uses of artificial intelligence in public administration are mentioned. Subsequently, the digital transformation in public administration, which constitutes the main focus of this study, is explained under the headings of public policies, human resources, public service, challenges, and legal regulations. In addition, the study briefly discusses the Turkish practice in the context of the Digital Transformation Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey. Finally, the chapter concludes with some recommendations that will contribute to the execution of this challenging process in which public administration has undergone a radical transformation.