Integration of Cognitive Technologies, Ethics, Andadaptive Governance for Intelligent Management Controlin Public Organizations: A Bibliometric Analysis

Over the past decade, public organizations have undergone an unprecedented transformation driven by the rise of cognitive technologies. According to the OECD (2023), more than 78% of central public administrations have launched artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives aimed at improving performance, transparency, and service quality. The COVID-19 crisis further accelerated this transition, highlighting the need for more agile decision-making mechanisms capable of processing massive amounts of real-time data. As Davenport (2022) notes, “artificial intelligence is no longer a technological option but a structural imperative for public organizations facing uncertainty». In this rapidly evolving environment, management control—which has traditionally relied on normative and retrospective tools—finds istelf at the heart of a strategic shift. The integration of cognitive technologies such as AI, machine learning, and expert systems paves the way for intelligent management control systems, offering predictive capabilities, enhanced responsiveness, and renewed attention to ethical and governance concerns.These challenges call for an overarching question: How can cognitive technologies be integrated into public management control systems while ensuring adaptive governance and strict adherence to ethical principles, in order to strengthen performance, transparency, and the legitimacy of public decision-making? The study reveals three major findings: the structuring of the field around cognitive technologies, algorithmic ethics, and adaptive governance; the existence of central scientific networks influencing these dynamics; and a recent intensification of research devoted to intelligent management control systems in the public sector.