Public administration with , of , and through AI: toward a new paradigm in the era of intelligence

This paper examines the future trajectory of public administration in the era of intelligence, focusing on the transformative implications of artificial intelligence (AI). It proposes a new triadic paradigm, ‘Public Administration with, of, and through AI,’ to conceptualize how AI is reshaping the theory, practice, and research of governance. The framework outlines three interrelated dimensions: the strengthening of administrative capacity with AI, the ethical and regulatory governance of AI, and the methodological advancement of the discipline through AI. Grounded in the historical evolution of public administration paradigms, the paper identifies key challenges in talent cultivation, research methodology, and evidence-based policymaking during digital transformation. As governments around the world integrate AI into administrative systems, the paper highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, methodological innovation, and ethical vigilance. It concludes by advocating three strategic integrations that can guide the discipline’s renewal: scientific rigor with practical relevance, agility with long-termism, and globalization with indigenization. These integrations aim to ensure that governance in the intelligent age remains both effective and ethically grounded.