Thesis title: eGovernment: Open governmental data & disruptive technologies

Abstract: The dissertation presents a comprehensive framework for how artificial intelligence, combined with cyber-physical infrastructures, open government data, and primarily their governance model, can shape the evolution of e-governance within the context of Gov 4.0. As demonstrated by relevant studies, these factors are capable of addressing traditional issues such as bureaucracy and inefficiency, facilitating faster, more transparent, and more effective service delivery to citizens. The adoption of a flexible and adaptive model for the governance of government data is a cornerstone for the successful integration of artificial intelligence and cyber-physical infrastructures, ensuring the interoperability, quality, and security of the data exchanged in the digital ecosystems of public administration. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and cyber-physical infrastructures in the field of open government data represents a paradigm shift, addressing key challenges of modern public administration while simultaneously highlighting the significant economic impacts that can arise from digital transformation. The key findings indicate that the existence of strong digital infrastructures, data collection thru sensors, adherence to strict interoperability standards, and the implementation of adaptive policy frameworks are essential elements for the successful digital transformation of public administration. The central question investigated by the dissertation is whether the creation and establishment of a framework, where artificial intelligence as a disruptive technology can be utilized for the management and, primarily, the exploitation of government data, is feasible. At the same time, it is examined with equal importance how cyber-physical infrastructures (CPIs), also as a disruptive technology, and the new applications they offer, can be utilized in the public sector, focusing on the secure provision of open government data and highlighting their contribution to the country's digital transition. To achieve the above, a comprehensive eGovernment digital platform architecture is proposed, which integrates open government data, cyber-physical infrastructures, artificial intelligence, and their respective applications into a cohesive ecosystem. The utilization of these two disruptive technologies, combined with a modern and functional governance mechanism for open government data thru a multi-layered eGovernment digital platform, has the potential to enable governments to reform public safety and health, optimize urban planning, and simplify the provision of information and services to citizens. The overall solution proposed in the dissertation can be part of the actions that policymakers, academics, and researchers must undertake in the modern, changing digital environment. The contribution of the proposed solution, which is based on a comprehensive eGovernment platform, a coherent data governance model, and leverages artificial intelligence and cyber-physical infrastructures, is expected to act as a catalyst for the smooth transition to a modern, digital, and outward-looking state.

Supervisor: Dimitris Askounis

PhD Student: Marika Androutsopoulou