Identifying and explaining the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in science and technology policymaking based on collaborative policy networks

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, School of Law and Political Science, Shiraz University

2 Master's student in Business Administration-Marketing, Fatemiyeh Shiraz Institute of Higher Education

Abstract

The developments resulting from the development of artificial intelligence have fundamentally transformed the landscape of science and technology policymaking and enabled the formation of new models of network governance. In the meantime, collaborative policy networks, as one of the new approaches to policy-making, emphasize the interaction, cooperation, and collaboration of governmental and non-governmental actors. The aim of the present study is to identify the implications of artificial intelligence in science and technology policymaking based on collaborative policy networks. This study is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of method and is based on the thematic analysis strategy. The research data were collected through semi-structured interviews with experts in the field of science and technology policy and artificial intelligence and were examined using the content analysis method. The research findings show that artificial intelligence can play two different roles in collaborative policy networks. In other words, two different scenarios are conceivable: the first scenario, artificial intelligence as a facilitator that leads to enhanced collaboration, transparency, interaction, and collective decision-making; and the second scenario, artificial intelligence as a dominant actor that can lead to the concentration of power, algorithmic decision-making, and a reduction in the role of human actors. The research results show that the governance and institutional design of the use of artificial intelligence determines the future path of policy-making. If used collaboratively and transparently, AI can improve the quality of policymaking and increase public value; otherwise, it can lead to concentration of power and weakening of collaboration.

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