Public administration in the fourth industrial revolution: Implications for the practice

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to interrogate the state of the public administration practice within the praxis of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Central to the interrogation is the question; what implications does the 4IR have on the public administration practice, particularly the provision of basic services such as education, water and sanitation and healthcare amongst others? Simply put, the paper attempts to determine how the Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) can be utilised in government to improve service delivery and deal with inefficiencies as is currently the case in the South African context. This and other related questions become undeniably relevant given the scourge of the Corona virus confronting South Africa and the rest of the world. The paper relies on literature review and empirical evidence to argue and come to conclusion about the future of government operations and its employees during this period of mass disruptive technologies. Inasmuch as there exist mixed feelings and levels of (un)acceptance of the 4IR particularly due to massive potential job losses, the paper argues that there is a plethora of other benefits associated with this era. The paper therefore is of the view that governments particularly in developing countries gear up in preparation for this era if the 4IR is to confer maximum benefits in relation to the delivery of public goods and services.