Algorithmic Government: Automating Public Services and Supporting Civil Servants in using Data Science Technologies
The data science technologies of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data and behavioral/predictive analytics, and blockchain are poised to revolutionize government and create a new generation of GovTech start-ups. The impact from the ‘smartification’ of public services and the national infrastructure will be much more significant in comparison to any other sector given government’s function and importance to every institution and individual. Potential GovTech systems include Chatbots and intelligent assistants for public engagement, Robo-advisors to support civil servants, real-time management of the national infrastructure using IoT and blockchain, automated compliance/regulation, public records securely stored in blockchain distributed ledgers, online judicial and dispute resolution systems, and laws/statutes encoded as blockchain smart contracts. Government is potentially the major ‘client’ and also ‘public champion’ for these new data technologies. This rev
The data science technologies of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data and behavioral/predictive analytics, and blockchain are poised to revolutionize government and create a new generation of GovTech start-ups. The impact from the ‘smartification’ of public services and the national infrastructure will be much more significant in comparison to any other sector given government’s function and importance to every institution and individual. Potential GovTech systems include Chatbots and intelligent assistants for public engagement, Robo-advisors to support civil servants, real-time management of the national infrastructure using IoT and blockchain, automated compliance/regulation, public records securely stored in blockchain distributed ledgers, online judicial and dispute resolution systems, and laws/statutes encoded as blockchain smart contracts. Government is potentially the major ‘client’ and also ‘public champion’ for these new data technologies. This review paper uses our simple taxonomy of government services to provide an overview of data science automation being deployed by governments world-wide. The goal of this review paper is to encourage the Computer Science community to engage with government to develop these new systems to transform public services and support the work of civil servants.
Executive Summary
This review paper explores the potential of data science technologies in transforming government services and supporting civil servants. Governments worldwide are leveraging AI, IoT, big data, predictive analytics, and blockchain to create 'smart' public services. Potential applications include chatbots, robo-advisors, and automated compliance. The paper aims to encourage collaboration between the computer science community and government to develop these systems. The review paper provides an overview of data science automation in government services, highlighting the significance of this 'smartification' of public services. The paper's goal is to facilitate the development of GovTech systems, transforming public services and supporting civil servants. The review paper's framework of government services provides a useful taxonomy for understanding data science automation in this sector.
Key Points
- ▸ Data science technologies are being leveraged by governments worldwide to transform public services.
- ▸ Potential applications include chatbots, robo-advisors, and automated compliance.
- ▸ Collaboration between the computer science community and government is essential for developing GovTech systems.
Merits
Comprehensive Framework
The paper provides a simple taxonomy of government services, which serves as a useful framework for understanding data science automation in this sector.
Global Perspective
The paper provides an overview of data science automation in government services worldwide, highlighting the significance of this 'smartification' of public services.
Encouraging Collaboration
The paper aims to encourage collaboration between the computer science community and government to develop GovTech systems, which is essential for transforming public services.
Demerits
Limited Depth
The paper is a review of existing research and does not delve deeply into the technical aspects of data science technologies or their implementation in government services.
Lack of Case Studies
The paper could benefit from more concrete case studies to illustrate the potential of data science technologies in transforming government services.
Expert Commentary
The paper provides a timely and relevant review of the potential of data science technologies in transforming government services. However, it is essential to acknowledge the potential risks and challenges associated with the adoption of these technologies, including issues related to data privacy, security, and bias. Furthermore, the paper highlights the need for collaboration between the computer science community and government to develop these systems, which is essential for ensuring that the benefits of data science technologies are realized in a responsible and equitable manner.
Recommendations
- ✓ Future research should focus on developing more concrete case studies to illustrate the potential of data science technologies in transforming government services.
- ✓ Government agencies should prioritize the development of GovTech systems, which can have significant implications for policy-making and decision-making.
