Aug 2026· Aposta: Revista de Ciencias Sociales· Vol 24, pp. e1706· 0 citations· 19 references
TL;DR
The findings suggest that responsible AI adoption strengthens public governance by improving transparency, efficiency, and service accessibility, while social justice significantly enhances citizens' trust in government institutions.
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming governance systems worldwide by improving administrative efficiency, public service delivery, and evidence-based policymaking. While developed countries have made substantial progress in integrating AI into governance structures, many developing countries continue to face institutional, ethical, and social challenges that limit the equitable benefits of AI. This study examines the relationship between artificial intelligence, social justice, and public governance from the perspective of the Global South. Drawing upon Public Value Theory, Institutional Theory, and the Capability Approach, the study explores how AI can contribute to inclusive governance while addressing issues of inequality, transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. A quantitative cross-sectional research design is proposed using survey data collected from 300 citizens across developing countries, with Pakistan serving as the primary case study. Data are analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings suggest that responsible AI adoption strengthens public governance by improving transparency, efficiency, and service accessibility, while social justice significantly enhances citizens' trust in government institutions. The study contributes to the emerging literature on AI governance by emphasizing that technological innovation alone cannot achieve sustainable development without institutional reforms, ethical regulation, and inclusive public policies. The findings offer practical recommendations for policymakers seeking to promote equitable AI governance across the Global South.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the functioning of governments by enabling data-driven decision-making, improving public service delivery, and enhancing administrative efficiency. In India, where governance involves managing a vast population, diverse socio-economic conditions, and complex administrative challenges, AI presents significant opportunities for improving the quality and accessibility of public services. The integration of AI into public administration can support predictive governance, automate routine administrative processes, strengthen policy implementation, and enable more responsive governance systems.
However, the adoption of AI in public administration also raises important concerns related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability, and digital inequality. The effectiveness of AI-driven governance depends not only on technological advancement but also on ethical frameworks, institutional capacity, and inclusive policy approaches. Developing countries like India face additional challenges due to differences in digital infrastructure, administrative readiness, and public awareness.
This paper examines the role of Artificial Intelligence in Indian public administration by analysing its potential benefits, emerging challenges, and policy implications. It argues that AI should be viewed as a supportive tool that enhances human administrative capabilities rather than replacing human decision-making. The paper highlights the need for responsible AI governance, capacity building among public officials, stronger regulatory mechanisms, and citizen-centric approaches to ensure that AI contributes to transparent, efficient, and inclusive governance.
Laxmi· Journal of Frontiers in Mult...· 0 citations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key driver of global economic transformation, offering opportunities for productivity growth, public service efficiency, and regional innovation. However, AI also poses risks of socioeconomic inequality, algorithmic bias, digital exclusion, and weak accountability, challenges particularly pronounced in developing regions like Central Kalimantan. This study analyzes the role of AI Governance and accountability in driving inclusive economic development and formulates a Digital Accountability Framework for Central Kalimantan using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with a PRISMA approach. Findings reveal that AI can support inclusive growth through agriculture productivity, forest fire monitoring, targeted public services, and SME strengthening. Without ethical governance, however, AI risks deepening inequality, marginalizing indigenous communities, and creating dependency on nontransparent systems. Therefore, AI Governance must function as institutional development infrastructure. The proposed framework encompasses transparency, fairness, human oversight, data governance, grievance mechanisms, and multistakeholder involvement for inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable development in Central Kalimantan.
pratiwi subianto, Abdul Halim, Tiur Roida Simbolon et al.· Journal of International Con...· 0 citations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming local government by enhancing data-driven decision-making, service delivery, and administrative efficiency. However, its growing adoption also raises significant governance challenges relating to transparency, accountability, institutional capability, data governance, and public trust. This report examines the emerging role of AI in local government and identifies the governance mechanisms required to support its responsible implementation. The report combines conceptual analysis, policy review, and empirical evidence to examine AI adoption from both institutional and societal perspectives. It reviews the evolution of AI research and policy within local government and maps current and emerging AI applications across key service domains, including urban planning, transportation, environmental management, healthcare, public safety, and citizen engagement. The report further examines the policy and governance landscape supporting AI adoption and develops a responsible AI framework centred on four core principles: transparency, accountability, institutional capability, and citizen engagement. Empirical findings, drawing on cross-national public surveys alongside surveys and interviews with local government practitioners, reveal both shared and divergent perceptions regarding AI adoption. While respondents recognise AI’s potential to improve efficiency, service quality, and evidence-based decision-making, concerns remain regarding fairness, explainability, accountability, regulatory readiness, and institutional capacity. Synthesising these findings, the report identifies six interrelated categories of governance risks encompassing regulatory, institutional, operational, accountability, democratic, and workforce dimensions. The report concludes that realising the benefits of AI in local government requires governance approaches that extend beyond technological implementation. Responsible AI adoption depends on robust policy frameworks, organisational capability, effective data governance, transparent oversight, meaningful public engagement, and workforce preparedness. By integrating these governance principles, local governments can harness AI to improve public services while safeguarding democratic values, institutional integrity, and public trust.
Tan Yigitcanlar, K. Mossberger, P. H. Cheong et al.· 0 citations
This study examined how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance accountability and transparency in South African municipalities. The study responded to persistent municipal governance challenges, including weak financial oversight, fragmented data systems, service delivery inefficiencies and declining public trust. A systematic review design was adopted to synthesise global, African and South African evidence on AI adoption in public administration and municipal governance. The review was guided by PRISMA principles and included 43 eligible studies selected from academic, policy and institutional sources. The Technology Acceptance Model and Institutional Theory were used to interpret both user-level and institutional factors influencing AI adoption, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, staff readiness, organisational resistance, regulatory pressure and governance norms. The findings show that AI can support municipal accountability through fraud detection, procurement monitoring, audit support and anomaly identification. AI can also improve transparency through citizen-service chatbots, complaint-routing systems, open data tools and integrated information platforms. However, the review found that AI adoption in South African municipalities is constrained by poor digital infrastructure, weak data interoperability, limited technical skills, financial pressure, organisational resistance and unclear ethical governance arrangements. The study concludes that AI should be treated as a governance support tool rather than a complete solution to municipal failure. Its value depends on phased implementation, data modernisation, capacity building, legal safeguards, human oversight and inclusive citizen engagement. Future research should examine municipal-level AI implementation, public trust, algorithmic accountability and the effects of AI on equitable service delivery.
S. Nokele, Khathutshelo Matshela· Journal of Cultural Analysis...· 0 citations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in economic systems, public administration and social life across all regions. While AI offers significant opportunities for innovation and sustainable development, it also raises complex regulatory, governance and ethical challenges. This paper examines emerging approaches to AI regulation, governance mechanisms and ethical operationalization, with particular attention on the perspectives and priorities of India and the Global South. The paper reviews risk-based regulatory models, governance of high-impact and autonomous AI systems, the role of technical standards and digital public infrastructure, and the translation of ethical principles into implementable requirements. It submits that effective AI governance requires adaptive, interoperable and development-oriented frameworks that balance innovation with safeguards for human rights, inclusion and sustainability. The paper concludes by outlining policy directions to strengthen national and international cooperation to ensure that AI development contributes to equitable and inclusive outcomes.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, O. P. Gupta, Misha Kapoor et al.· 2026 ITU Kaleidoscope - AI a...· 0 citations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming governance and public policy by improving decision-making, public service delivery, and administrative efficiency. This study examined artificial intelligence governance and public policy in Nigeria, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and policy imperatives associated with AI adoption. The institutional theory was used to shoulder this study. The study adopted a qualitative research design based on secondary data obtained from scholarly journals, books, government documents, and reports from international organizations. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that AI has the potential to enhance transparency, accountability, revenue generation, healthcare, education, security, and evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria. However, weak regulatory frameworks, inadequate digital infrastructure, a shortage of skilled personnel, cybersecurity threats, and data privacy concerns continue to hinder its effective implementation. The study concludes that Nigeria can maximize the benefits of AI by strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, investing in digital infrastructure and human capital, promoting ethical AI practices, and fostering collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector to achieve sustainable national development
Ubokuloh Okon· International Journal of Pub...· 0 citations