TRACK 1 – Frontier technologies for a new era of governance

Marijn Janssen
Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
Track Chair '23
Sehl Mellouli
Laval University, Canada
Research Coordinator
Soumaya Ben Dhaou
United Nations University (UNU-EGOV), Portugal

Frontier technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Distributed Ledgers Technologies (DLT), and Blockchain can be the drivers of dramatic changes in the public sector, affecting all domains and administration levels, both at the back- and front-office level. They may support and promote the vision of a data-driven, intelligent, personalised, ubiquitous, and efficient government and society that provides services of unparalleled quality to citizens and businesses. Their application in public administration promises “disruptive improvements” concerning the availability, efficiency, security, interoperability, and openness of digital public services in several areas. Within this context, this Track aims at discussing opportunities and challenges, emerging practices, policies, innovative approaches, “dark” aspects and risks that may raise negative consequences, case studies, and more theoretical contributions concerning the adoption of frontier digital technologies that may shape future governments and societies. Possible applications and repercussions of the application of frontier technologies in governance are also included within the scope of this Track.