Challenges and opportunities for public administration in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Abstract

The world is at the brink of the much anticipated digital transformation orchestrated by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Despite the perceived benefits of increased efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery, the fourth industrial revolution largely presents numerous challenges to public administration in developing countries that lack enough human and material resources to execute the ensuing huge technological advancements. Using eclectic literature sources, the article examines the opportunities for and challenges confronting governments in the fourth industrial revolution. The examination focuses on disruption of societal values and restructuring of economy, poor infrastructural development, lack of skills capacity to integrate new technologies, fear of losing jobs, poverty and inequalities threaten the success of Public Administration in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The article recommends governments to embrace new technologies based on their capacity of a well-equipped workforce which caters for the future shrinking of global economies.