Mapping AI’s role in NSW governance: a socio-technical analysis of GenAI integration

Lozano-Paredes, L

Mapping AI’s role in NSW governance: a socio-technical analysis of GenAI integration

Lozano-Paredes, L

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Publisher:: Frontiers Media SA
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Frontiers in Political Science, 7

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Lozano-Paredes, L
dc.date.accessioned	2025-05-16T10:02:29Z
dc.date.available	2025-05-16T10:02:29Z
dc.identifier.citation	Frontiers in Political Science, 7
dc.identifier.issn	2673-3145
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187371
dc.description.abstract	<jats:p>This paper examines the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in New South Wales (NSW) Government processes through a socio-technical lens using Actor-Network Theory. Rather than viewing GenAI as a passive tool, the study conceptualizes these systems as active actants that reshape governance networks, redistribute authority, and reconfigure democratic accountability mechanisms. Through document analysis, actor-network mapping, and scenario analysis of potential breakdowns, the research reveals that while NSW has established comprehensive AI governance frameworks, significant gaps remain in addressing the unique challenges posed by GenAI systems. Historical analysis of algorithmic failures in Australian public administration, including Revenue NSW’s automated debt recovery system and the federal Robodebt scheme, demonstrates the consequences when technical systems undermine democratic principles. The paper proposes a regulatory sandbox approach to balance innovation with democratic safeguards, highlighting the need for governance frameworks that recognize GenAI’s role in reshaping political relationships. The findings contribute to scholarly debates by demonstrating the insufficiency of purely technical or ethical frameworks that do not address the political dimensions of AI integration in public governance.</jats:p>
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Frontiers Media SA
dc.relation.ispartof	Frontiers in Political Science
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.3389/fpos.2025.1595345
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject.classification	4408 Political science
dc.title	Mapping AI’s role in NSW governance: a socio-technical analysis of GenAI integration
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	7
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Provost
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Provost/TD School
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2025-05-16T10:02:26Z
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	7

Abstract:

This paper examines the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in New South Wales (NSW) Government processes through a socio-technical lens using Actor-Network Theory. Rather than viewing GenAI as a passive tool, the study conceptualizes these systems as active actants that reshape governance networks, redistribute authority, and reconfigure democratic accountability mechanisms. Through document analysis, actor-network mapping, and scenario analysis of potential breakdowns, the research reveals that while NSW has established comprehensive AI governance frameworks, significant gaps remain in addressing the unique challenges posed by GenAI systems. Historical analysis of algorithmic failures in Australian public administration, including Revenue NSW’s automated debt recovery system and the federal Robodebt scheme, demonstrates the consequences when technical systems undermine democratic principles. The paper proposes a regulatory sandbox approach to balance innovation with democratic safeguards, highlighting the need for governance frameworks that recognize GenAI’s role in reshaping political relationships. The findings contribute to scholarly debates by demonstrating the insufficiency of purely technical or ethical frameworks that do not address the political dimensions of AI integration in public governance.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187371