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IMPACTUL E-GUVERNĂRII ASUPRA ADMINISTRAȚIEI PUBLICE LOCALE DIN ROMÂNIA. STUDIU DE CAZ: PRIMĂRIA COMUNEI MĂRAȘU, JUDEȚUL BRĂILA
Full text linkAceastă lucrare are ca scop evaluarea impactului e-guvernării asupra administrației publice locale din România, cu un accent specific pe Primăria Comunei Mărașu. Obiectivul principal al studiului este să analizeze în ce măsură implementarea tehnologiilor digitele în procesele administrative contribuie la îmbunătățirea eficienței și calității serviciilor furnizate de administrația publică locală. În contextul României, unde ex istă nevoi semnificative de modernizare și eficientizare a administrației publice, acest studiu devine relevant pentru obținerea unei înțelegeri detaliate a modului în care e-guvernarea sprijină procesul de modernizare și eficientizare a administrației locale. Lucrarea se bazează pe conceptele și cercetările anterioare privind implementarea e-guvernării la nivel local și a reformelor digitale în administrație, ce construiesc baza teoretică și contextul pentru cercetarea prezenă. Metoda aplicată în elaborarea tezei este una empirică, concentrându-se pe colectarea și analizarea datelor concrete și observabile. Prin intermediul unui studiu de caz detaliat, care include interviuri cu funcționari publici de la nivelul Primăriei și prin analiza documentelor relevante, se vor evidenția rezultate clare asupra modului în care implementarea tehnologiilor digitale contribuie la îmbunătățirea eficienței proceselor administrative la nivel local. Practicienii din administrația publică locală pot găsi aceste concluzii ca resurse pentru obținerea unei perspective mai clare asupra beneficiilor e-guvernării, iar rezultatele pot servi drept sursă de inspirație pentru identificarea altor modalități de îmbunătățire a procesului de digitalizare în administrație. Calitatea lucrării este reflectată în metoda de cercetare, în analiza atentă și detaliată a rezultatelor, precum și în capacitatea de a înțelege și sintetiza informațiile pentru a oferi concluzii relevante și aplicabile. Prin urmare, lucrarea oferă o perspectivă clară asup ra modului în care implementarea e-guvernării poate transforma și îmbunătăți administrația publică la nivel local
Adaptation of smart city model(s) in rural environment
Full text linkAlthough the literature of smart cities is very rich and broad, the possibility and usefulness of the application of information and communication technologies in rural areas and villages is barely researched area. The objective of our paper is to sum up the main findings of smart city approach and give a review of the notion, measurement and pitfalls of it. We would like to present how the original smart city approach has to be changed to rural communities, and what can we learn from earlier researches to avoid the so-called “ICT-hype” and focus on the problems that villages face in the first place. In the second part we will review what smart villages, smart rural development are, and how the thinking on the effects of ICT on spatiality and the role of distance has changed in the previous decades. Finally, we will present the findings of a smart rural research in Hungary. We used online surveys among mayors and notaries and semi-structured interviews in selected settlements as a methodology for research. The main value of the paper is that it is addressing what smartness means in a disadvantaged rural area. Our final conclusion is that it is possible to create smart communities in smaller territorial scales, but we also think that in this context the term ‘smart’ does not need to imply high-tech projects, or the projects that concentrate on innovative, infrastructural developments, or the project that addresses only the needs specific to advanced rural areas. Smart village is an approach to rural development where central role is played by the local community and its actions. Local governments that meet the basic needs of the local community and consider the needs of various stakeholders not only fulfil their mandated mission but also build trust and help release the creative potential of the local community
Superinteligența personală (PSI) pentru toți – pariul Meta
Full text linkRevin pe acest subiect[1] pentru că se pare că devine din important, foarte important!! De ce zic asta? Ei bine, la finalul lunii iulie 2025, Mark Zuckerberg a publicat o declarație la nivel de companie, intitulată „Personal Superintelligence”, care începe cu o afirmație foarte interesantă: „Over the last few months we have begun to see glimpses of our AI systems improving themselves[2]” și care reorientează ambiția AI a Meta în jurul „superinteligenței personale” (Personal Superintelligence – PSI): asistenți extrem de capabili, încorporați în dispozitivele cotidiene, pe care utilizatorii îi direcționează către propriile lor obiective și valori. Inițiativa coincide cu o reorganizare amplă în Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) alături de o achiziție parțială a companiei Scale AI și schimbări vizibile în modul în care Meta echilibrează conceptul de open-source cu siguranța.
Acest articol reconstruiește ce este cu adevărat nou, ce rămâne aspirațional, care sunt compromisurile dificile și cum poate fi evaluată PSI în raport cu strategiile concurente din industrie ce pun accent pe automatizarea la scală mare. Unde este posibil, voi ancora afirmațiile făcute în surse primare și relatări recente.
[1] Cititorii își amintesc articolul intitulat „Superinteligența – una dintre cele mai mari provocări tehnice ale momentului”; cei care l-au ratat dintr-un motiv oarecare îl pot citi aici: https://scrd.eu/index.php/aiot/article/view/585
[2] În ultimele luni am început să vedem mici semne de auto-îmbunătățire a sistemelor noastre de inteligență artificială.
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Cultivating organizational culture for AI integration: A framework for Smart Cities and Regional Development
Full text linkObjectives: This study addresses the gap between technological capability and organizational readiness in Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration within smart cities and regional development. It aims to establish a framework for understanding how organizational culture influences AI implementation success, focusing on cultural prerequisites that enable or constrain digital transformation. Prior work: Existing literature emphasizes technical and regulatory aspects of smart cities governance and digital transformation, with limited attention to organizational culture dynamics. The OECD’s governance frameworks and research on public sector modernization provide foundational understanding, but systematic cultural assessment methodologies for AI readiness remain underdeveloped. Recent developments in organizational culture measurement offer emerging evidence from transformation initiatives across sectors. Approach: Drawing from four decades of experience in public administration, governance reform, and institutional capacity building across regions like the Middle East, Africa, South-East Asia, and Europe, this conceptual paper synthesizes empirical observations from organizational transformations, public sector modernization initiatives, and international governance reform projects. The analysis incorporates insights from leading institutional reform projects, including the transformation of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), the establishment of the Bahrain Institute for Public Administration (BIPA) and the Middle East & North Africa Public Administration Research (MENAPAR) Network. Results: The research identifies five critical cultural dimensions for successful AI implementations: purpose alignment, collaborative capacity, learning agility, ethical clarity, and technological fluency. Organizations with strong cultural foundations across these dimensions show significantly higher transformation success rates. Cultural factors, rather than technical sophistication, primarily determine implementation outcomes in complex multi-stakeholder environments typical of smart cities initiatives. Implications: This framework provides actionable diagnostic tools for assessing organizational readiness before technology deployment. It suggests a fundamental reorientation of transformation strategies toward systematic cultural stewardship alongside technological implementation. Value: This research bridges organizational psychology and smart cities literature by introducing the first comprehensive cultural readiness framework for AI-driven urban innovation contexts, offering theoretical contributions and practical tools for governance practitioners
Developing specialized coursework for smart architecture: A focus on emerging and re-emerging technologies
Full text linkDiscussing smart cities means having an understanding of smart technologies revolving around making the cities more smart, sustainable, economical, and ecological, following that train of thought and understanding those desires and the present problems makes it more important to understand the technologies used in the architecture used around the label that makes cities smart and adhere to the specific characteristics following the change and advancements of the moment. To gain a better understanding of emerging technologies, we need to develop specialized coursework focused on analyzing, comprehending, integrating, and utilizing these advancements in smart architecture. This article will explore how both emerging and re-emerging technologies can be integrated into a smart architectural curriculum. It will highlight the application of each technology, its integration into architectural projects, its role in the development of smart cities, and provide details on the advantages and disadvantages associated with each one. One of the prime examples of re-emerging architectural advancements discussed in this article is Biomimetic Architecture. This approach is inspired by nature, using its designs and resources to solve human problems. While it has faced criticism for creating a perceived distance between humans and nature—suggesting that nature’s solutions are superior to those created by humans—it also represents a blend of natural design and human innovation, Architectural courses will focus on technologies as complex as biomimetic architecture, providing clarity on current advancements
From threat to response: The evolution of cybersecurity in Albania
Full text linkAs Albania\u27s digital landscape expands, its vulnerability to sophisticated cyber threats increases correspondingly. This study explores the evolution of Albania\u27s cybersecurity strategies, tracing the shift from reactive measures to a proactive defence approach. It critically examines significant cyber incidents that have shaped the national cybersecurity landscape, assessing how these have influenced the development of Albania\u27s current cyber defence strategies. The focus is on how Albania has tailored its strategic responses to enhance digital resilience and national security.
In the second part, the paper provides an in-depth review of the threat models prevalent in the Western Balkans and Albania, highlighting key areas where Albania\u27s cyber management requires further development. One key recommendation is the forecasting of cyber-attacks, which could benefit from the application of time-series and machine learning techniques to enhance predictive capabilities. This approach emphasizes the importance of adapting to emerging threats and fostering international cooperation to bolster Albania\u27s cybersecurity infrastructure
Digital competencies for municipalities – Findings from Switzerland as a role model for smart regions within the European Union member states
Full text linkThe study shows that e-government services, cybersecurity and digital document management have been identified as key priorities for digitization in Swiss municipalities, which is crucial for the development of smart regions. This study aimed to assess the needs for certified digital competencies among decision-makers in small Swiss municipalities and cities. It sought to identify relevant digital transformation topics, required competencies, recruitment practices, training needs, and collaborations. While smart city initiatives have gained traction in larger urban areas, less attention has been paid to digitalization efforts in smaller municipalities. This study helps to fill that gap examining the specific needs and challenges of smaller Swiss communities. An online survey was conducted among 1,221 German-speaking Swiss municipalities in February 2024, with 215 responses (17.6% response rate). The survey covered topics such as digital transformation priorities, competencies, recruitment, training needs, and partnerships. Key findings include: E-government services, cybersecurity, and digital document management were top digitalization priorities; 61% of municipalities have a person responsible for digitalization efforts; Personal competencies like curiosity and willingness to learn were highly valued; Only 32% use competency-based job profiles in recruitment; There is significant interest in further training on digital transformation topics. The results highlight the need for targeted training and competency development for digitalization leaders in smaller municipalities. They also reveal opportunities to improve recruitment practices and leverage partnerships. This study provides valuable insights to inform the development of tailored training programs and competency frameworks for digital transformation in small Swiss municipalities. It contributes to the broader smart cities literature by examining the unique needs of smaller communities often overlooked in urban-centric research
A technological and legal investigation into how smart states deploy collective intelligence for security and surveillance purposes
Full text linkThe paper examines challenging cases for the balancing act between privacy and protection of individual rights on one side and protection of public and national security on the other. In doing so, the article refers to the main privacy protection legislation – the GDPR and specifically article 23, the AI ACT and its relevant exceptions, the LED, and newly proposed pieces of legislation aiming at giving more manoeuvre capabilities to law enforcement and intelligence agencies when it comes to conducting activities for the purpose of protecting the public and national security. The article debates the relation between data protection and public and national security in democratic states and shows how the evolving threat landscape influences both the practice and the legislative process around personal data protection and deployment of emerging technologies and use of collective intelligence for security purposes. The way this relationship is shaped in each (smart) state is influenced by political, technological factors as well as the specific threat landscape. The deployment of AI for surveillance of the public space, the way it is both regulated and contested are discussed, with practical cases such as the use of smart surveillance during the 2024 Paris Olimpic games being analized. When looking at surveillance technologies deployed in the public space, the article also articulates a new physical and digital intertwined dimension of the public space, making the argument that both within and outside the visible boundaries of constructed geography, there is digitally field space, either vertically or horizontally, that can represent a resilience enabler factor but can also become a threat if exclusively depended upon or if not secured against malicious interference.
Transmiterea si protejarea informatiilor în mediul public digital
Full text linkLucrarea elaborata are ca scop aprofundarea si explicarea metodelor prin care informatiile sunt transmise si protejate in mediul public digital. Obiectivele acesteia sunt reprezentate de o mai buna intelegere a modului in care informatiile sunt protejate prin intermediul criptarii si a cheilor de criptare folosite in mediul public digital dar si principalele vulnerabilitati ce apar in procesul de stocare si transmitere a informatiilor. Lucrarea este bazata pe diverse cercetari din domeniul securitatii datelor, lucrari ce apartin atat cercetatorilor romani cat si celor americani sau indieni. Conceptele ce fundamenteaza studiul sunt securizarea datelor prin intermediul criptarii informatiei si atacurile cibernetice care vizeaza informatia din mediul public digital. Abordarea folosita pentru a descrie cercetarea este de tip cantitativ, la baza acesteia fiind un chestionar realizat asupra unui esantion format din persoane de diferite varste cu privire la increderea pe care subiectii o au in privinta securitatii datelor din mediul publc digital. Studiul are ca implicatii cresterea gradului de constientizare asupra importantei securitatii informatiei din mediul public digital, al analizei si al elaborarii de noi metode pentru a preveni atacurile cibernetice dar si de a evidentia vulnerabilitatile care apar in procesul de transmitere al informatiilor din mediul public digital. Contributia personala adusa asupra lucrarii este oferita de maniera in care cumulul de informatii si date oferite de studiile anterior efectuate sunt concretizate si structurate in vederea punerii in evidenta a importantei temei alese. Lucrarea elaborata este de un inalt nivel al calitatii datorita implicarii numeroaselor surse de documentare provenite din diverse parti ale lumii ce stau la baza realizarii acesteia, avand un caracter original si note personale ce sunt menite sa descrie in detaliu tema aleasa
BARIERE ÎN DIGITALIZAREA ADMINISTRAȚIEI PUBLICE DIN ROMÂNIA
Full text linkAceastă lucrare se concentrează asupra provocărilor întâlnite în procesul de digitalizare a administrației publice din România. Scopul lucrării este de a analiza obstacolele care apar cel mai frecvent în procesul de implementare a serviciilor publice digitale și de a identifica posibile soluții pentru gestionarea acestor provocări. Pentru a atinge aceste obiective este însă nevoie de parcurgerea unor studii prealabile, astfel că, partea teoretică va cuprinde atât clarificări asupra noțiunilor de “servicii publice”, respectiv „e-Guvernare”, cât și informații despre situația României în ceea ce privește cadrul legal pentru digitalizarea administrației publice și nivelul serviciilor publice digitale, măsurat prin indicatorul DESI. Ca și studiu de caz, tema cercetării abordează, într-o manieră descriptivă, experiența Primăriei Sectorului 6 din București asupra dificultăților întâmpinate în calea unei administrații publice digitale eficiente – de la obstacole financiare până la confruntarea cu lipsa încrederii cetățenilor în sistemul administrativ românesc. Prin intervievarea factorilor de decizie, funcționarilor publici și utilizatorilor implicați în procesul de digitalizare la nivelul Primăriei Sectorului 6, lucrarea investighează atitudinile, percepțiile și experiențele acestora în fața schimbărilor tehnologice. Rezultatele cercetării pot contribui la identificarea soluțiilor pentru depășirea acestor bariere și la promovarea unei transformări digitale durabile în cadrul administrației publice din Romania, având în vedere faptul că studiul de caz a fost efectuat asupra unei instituții publice de la nivel local care a reușit să treacă de la serviciile publice tradiționale la dezvoltarea unei aplicații mobile (eSector6) pentru accesarea serviciilor digitale