Algorithms for a new season? Mapping a decade of research on the artificial intelligence-driven digital transformation of public administration

This article reviews a decade (2013–2023) of scholarly discourse to deepen our understanding of the AI-driven digital transformation of public administration (PA). Structural topic modelling and manual coding of 169 articles that focused on contextual conditions, mechanisms, outcomes, and policies revealed various topics. Findings show a focus on policies and, to a lesser extent, mechanisms, with algorithmic decision-making as a key theme. Issues like algorithmic trustworthiness, bias, and accountability in algorithmic bureaucracies are highlighted. Research gaps include insufficient exploration of contextual conditions and policy implementation, with a narrow focus on organizational and ethical outcomes. A research agenda is suggested.