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AI and Governance: A Pathway for Tunisia’s Public Sector Modernization

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Bibliographic Details
Summary:The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly improve governance and public service delivery. Nevertheless, Tunisia faces significant obstacles in systematically integrating AI into its public administration, including fragmented governance structures, outdated digital infrastructure, and a lack of a coherent strategic plan. While international academic literature includes examples of AI implementation, few studies focus on creating practical, context-specific pathways for AI adoption in the Global South. This study aims to develop a tailored framework for AI integration in Tunisia's public sector, based on international best practices and national expectations. Following the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the research was preceded by a thorough evidence-based and situational analysis of the Tunisian administrative context. Insights gained have been used to refine and expand the "TUNeGov-AI” framework, which is organized around eight strategic axes and includes a phased roadmap from 2025 to 2030.The proposed framework addresses service gaps, infrastructure needs, bioethical challenges, and human resource requirements. It also incorporates cross-cutting aspects such as people-centered design and international collaboration. With clear guidelines and a roadmap, this thesis makes both theoretical and practical contributions to the modernization of governance in Tunisia through the responsible adoption of AI.
Main Authors:Abda, Maryem Ben
Subject:AI in Governance Public Sector Innovation AI Policy Tunisia Infrastructure Development Design Science Research Strategic Framework SDG 3 - Good health and well-being SDG 4 - Quality education SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure SDG 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals
Year:2025
Country:Portugal
Document type:master thesis
Access type:open access
Associated institution:Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Language:English
Origin:Repositório Institucional da UNL
Description
Summary:The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly improve governance and public service delivery. Nevertheless, Tunisia faces significant obstacles in systematically integrating AI into its public administration, including fragmented governance structures, outdated digital infrastructure, and a lack of a coherent strategic plan. While international academic literature includes examples of AI implementation, few studies focus on creating practical, context-specific pathways for AI adoption in the Global South. This study aims to develop a tailored framework for AI integration in Tunisia's public sector, based on international best practices and national expectations. Following the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the research was preceded by a thorough evidence-based and situational analysis of the Tunisian administrative context. Insights gained have been used to refine and expand the "TUNeGov-AI” framework, which is organized around eight strategic axes and includes a phased roadmap from 2025 to 2030.The proposed framework addresses service gaps, infrastructure needs, bioethical challenges, and human resource requirements. It also incorporates cross-cutting aspects such as people-centered design and international collaboration. With clear guidelines and a roadmap, this thesis makes both theoretical and practical contributions to the modernization of governance in Tunisia through the responsible adoption of AI.