Digitalization and artificial intelligence: how new technologies can change governance in Russia

Abstract

Introduction. Today, the modernization of the public administration system in Russia is unthinkable without the widespread introduction of digital solutions. In the context of global transformations, ensuring transparency and accountability of government is becoming a key factor in combating corruption and making effective management decisions. Within the framework of this study, we consider the potential of using artificial intelligence technologies and other digital tools to increase the degree of openness and efficiency of government institutions, which in turn can positively affect the level of public trust in them. The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on governance transparency and effectiveness in Russia. The paper discusses key aspects of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools, as well as their potential to improve the quality of management decisions and their evaluation. Methods. Research methods include document analysis, such as Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 490 of October 10, 2019, “On the Development of Artificial Intelligence in the Russian Federation” and Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1014 of November 28, 2024, “On Assessing the Performance of Senior Officials of the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation and the Performance of Executive Bodies of the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation." Furthermore, an analytical method is employed to assess the impact of digitalization on public opinion and the transparency of government institutions, as well as a comparative analysis of existing digitalization practices in various countries. A literature review and data provided by government statistics also serve as the basis for the analysis. Results. The study's results demonstrate that the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as other digital technologies, such as open data platforms or monitoring and feedback systems, in management processes significantly improves the quality of decisions, and the very use of these technologies becomes a key criterion for assessing the performance of government agencies. Moreover, the use of digital technologies helps influence public opinion about government, as they increase citizen trust in public institutions, which is associated, among other things, with a reduction in corruption. Attention is also paid to how digital technologies can be implemented as a methodological basis for assessing the effectiveness of government agencies. Conclusions. The study's findings highlight the need to integrate digital tools into the public administration system as an important and necessary step to increasing the transparency and openness of this system. The study also shows that measuring public opinion on government performance is essential for improving the effectiveness of public institutions in the context of digitalization. However, achieving sustainable results requires a comprehensive approach and further research.