Bridging the public administration‐AI divide: A skills perspective

Abstract The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize governance and public administration, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This paper provides a roadmap for public agencies, detailing steps from preparation to mainstream AI implementation. It proposes a skills framework encompassing technical, ethical, legal, and management aspects, supplemented by continuous training recommendations. Emphasizing a human‐centric and ethical approach, it aims to foster innovative and responsible governance. Collaboration is highlighted as vital for accelerating AI adoption and equipping administrators with tools to navigate this complex yet promising landscape. The paper also addresses the equality and inclusion challenges posed by AI, particularly in bridging the divide between the Global North and Global South, using international examples from both developed and developing countries. These insights ensure a comprehensive perspective on AI integration in public administration, promoting a holistic and nuanced approach to addressing these challenges.