Transforming Government by Leveraging Disruptive Technologies

Maria A Wimmer,Vera Spitzer,Gabriela Viale Pereira,Alexander Ronzhyn

doi:10.29379/jedem.v12i1.594

Abstract

While the public sector traditionally lags behind business in innovation, significant changes are anticipated with the broad diffusion of so-called disruptive technologies. The use of such technologies in public service, along with possible benefits, need to be well researched, and challenges be carefully discussed, analysed and evaluated. This paper applies scenario-based science and technology roadmapping to identify research and training needs in the implementation of disruptive technologies in public service. 70 experts reviewed 13 future scenarios and derived a number of research and training needs regarding internet of things, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, big data and other disruptive technologies. The identified needs serve as a starting point for a broader and more informed discussion about how such new (disruptive) technologies can be successfully deployed in the public sector - leveraging the benefits of these technologies while at the same time constraining the drawbacks affiliated with them.

Highlights

The emergence of new innovative technologies leverages faster digital transformation in the public sector
The identified needs serve as a starting point for a broader and more informed discussion about how such new technologies can be successfully deployed in the public sector - leveraging the benefits of these technologies while at the same time constraining the drawbacks affiliated with them
The assessment of impact and costs of the deployment of disruptive technologies is another research area. It is not yet clear what the real costs are for platforms who realise such technologies, how many technologies are funded and what exercised impact on cities could be determined (Batty, 2016)? The research needs were raised when discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of things (IoT)

Summary

Introduction

The emergence of new innovative technologies leverages faster digital transformation in the public sector. Disruptive technologies offer potentials of making governments more efficient, effective, open and transparent, which are core desiderata of public sector modernization (Cordella & Bonina, 2012; Heeks, 1999; Milakovich, 2012; Weerakkody, Janssen, & Dwivedi, 2011). Digital transformation characterizes the attempt of modernizing government and public service provisioning through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). Digital government or electronic government (both concepts are used synonymously) coin the core concept for the provision of digital public services. Both terms characterize the desire of increased efficiency, effectiveness and improved quality of services for citizens and businesses through the use of ICT as is argued in many scientific publications

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