Future Challenges – Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Privacy, Public Trust

Abstract

This chapter explores just how emerging technology, which includes artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, drones, Internet of Things, blockchain, and unmanned vehicles, will help shape the future of public management. It explains some of the leading trends in technology and its potential impact for government and society. The chapter points out that with all the advances in technology nearly every application has the capacity for a negative consequence. The rapid growth, development, and use of AI stem from newly available massive computational power, data storage, management capabilities, and novel technology frameworks like neural networks. Office automation is not new to the private and public sectors, as advances in technology have enabled them to become ever more efficient. Robots are not typically thought of when it comes to unmanned vehicles that prowl the oceans or scan the skies. Public managers face challenges connecting with citizens who are bombarded with information overload from emails and other forms of digital communications.