Enhancing of Digital Competencies and Digital Literacy of Civil Servants in the Context of Digital Modernization of Public Administration

Abstract

The modern Russian civil service is on the path of active digital transformation and intensification of the use of a wide range of various digital technologies, especially neural networks and related artificial intelligence (AI). Digitalization significantly transforms not only the system and mechanisms of public administration, but also the requirements for the level of digital literacy and a set of digital competencies of civil servants. The aim of the article is to determine the trends in modifying the set and specifics of digital literacy and digital competencies of civil servants in the context of digital modernization of public administration. The relevance of the research is defined by the continuously increasing intensity of the introduction of digital technologies in general and AI in particular in government agencies. This trend suggests that smart systems in the foreseeable future are capable of replacing traditional civil servants: codifiable, routine, standardized tasks can successfully move into the area of responsibilities of a kind of “neuro-officials”. AI in the public administration system requires civil servants to choose a strategy for interacting with it: to remain in the “service” of AI, largely trusting its ideas and following its actions with closed eyes, or to try to manage it, adapting and modifying it to their needs. The use of digital technologies and AI in professional activities does not relieve officials from the need to train this assistant, critically evaluate and adjust the results, and make final decisions. The article emphasizes that digital progress should not be viewed as a threat to civil servants, a risk factor for their loss of employment. AI and its digital “colleagues” can be digital assistants, not rivals of officials, complementing both the efforts and the quality of their official activities. The implementation of this scenario requires strengthening the digital literacy and maturity, critical thinking of officials, their understanding of what digital public administration is, how AI technologies affect the process and nature of the provision of public services, what kind of ethical nuances arise when using AI.