“Future scenarios: advantages and challenges of using artificial intelligence in public administration”: the P5 workshop
On January 24, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the workshop titled “Future scenarios: advantages and challenges of using Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration” took place at the Aula Meridiana of the University of Genoa, Via Balbi 5. The event saw broad participation, particularly from public sector employees.
The workshop was an in-depth exploration of Plan 1 of the P5 | AI FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION project, one of the training programs included in the RAISE Training Program, coordinated by Spoke 5.
“The “Future scenarios: advantages and challenges of using Artificial Intelligence” workshop was the result of careful planning following the success of the video-recorded course of Plan 1 of the P5 RAISE project. This training session was designed to provide participants with the opportunity to directly engage with course instructors, ask questions, and receive answers from industry experts, deepening their understanding of the topics covered. We are pleased that many enrolled participants chose to attend the workshop. We believe that Artificial Intelligence is a central issue today and will have a significant impact on society, including Public Administration”.
Luca Gandullia, Professor of Public Finance at the University of Genoa, introduced the workshop with these words, highlighting how it facilitated the interaction between viewers of the Plan 1 video lectures of RAISE and the instructors, allowing for discussions and deeper insights into the topics covered.
The instructors were able to address the most frequently raised questions that emerged during the video sessions, with the mediation of RAISE consultant Simona Tirasso, and engage in direct dialogue with participants during the Q&A session.
The first panel, focused on technical aspects, featured Professors Enrico Di Bella, Luca Oneto and Rodolfo Zunino, who explained the workings of Artificial Intelligence, its practical applications, and innovative solutions for Public Administration. A key topic of discussion was cybersecurity, a major concern that has long hindered AI adoption due to its critical vulnerabilities.
In the second part of the event, lawyer Michele Moriello and Professors Edmondo Mostacci and Matteo Timo led the legal panel, sharing their expertise on the legal and judicial implications of AI use.
Participants particularly emphasized the challenges associated with this new technology, especially regarding privacy, a complex and sensitive issue.
The discussion also covered the AI Act, the European regulation on Artificial Intelligence, which was thoroughly explained during the video lectures, along with its impact at the national level.
The training day concluded with a panel on organizational impact, featuring Professors Marcello Montefiori and Fabrizio Bracco, along with lawyer Michele Moriello. The speakers analyzed how AI affects the structure and organization of Public Administrations, focusing on its benefits, ethical considerations, and applications in the healthcare sector.
The discussions explored which aspects and processes of Public Administration benefit most from AI, as well as the potential impact of AI on human labor and social structures—a topic that continues to raise concerns among AI skeptics.
Professor Montefiori, an expert in AI’s role in healthcare, discussed the potential benefits of AI in the medical field.
The workshop proved to be a valuable moment of discussion, offering deeper insights into key issues shaping the future of public administrations.
Thanks to the active participation of instructors and attendees, the event successfully integrated the online learning format with a productive and engaging in-person dialogue.
