Artificial intelligence and the systemic crisis of Spanish public administration

by Antonio Tejeda Encinas

The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration has generated significant debate in various countries. In centralised systems with homogeneous technological standards, such as that of the United Kingdom, ethical and operational challenges have been identified in the automation of state services. This picture invites reflection on the situation in Spain, where public administration faces chronic problems of fragmentation, obsolescence and a civil-service culture that, in some cases, hinders adaptation to the digital revolution.

Lessons from the United Kingdom: warnings not heeded

The United Kingdom has experienced difficulties in implementing AI systems in public services, highlighting the need to establish solid ethical and operational frameworks. Although measures have been adopted to improve transparency and fairness in the use of government algorithms, critical areas that require attention remain. These experiences should serve as a warning sign for Spain, where the administrative reality presents additional complexities.

The Spanish paradox: advanced legislation vs. dysfunctional reality

Spain has shown initiative in creating regulatory frameworks relating to AI, seeking to establish ethical requirements and specialised supervisory bodies. However, this legislative ambition contrasts with an administration that, in many cases, operates with obsolete technological infrastructure and faces significant challenges in its modernisation.

Fragmentation as an endemic ill

Spain’s decentralised structure has led to the creation of multiple independent technological systems in the autonomous communities. This diversity has generated interoperability problems in critical areas such as healthcare and the management of grants, making it difficult to implement unified and efficient technological solutions.

Civil servants: between obsolescence and resistance

The ageing of the Spanish public workforce, combined with insufficient digital training, represents an obstacle to modernisation. In addition, the presence of employees with negative attitudes or who are resistant to change can affect productivity and the working environment, hindering the implementation of technological innovations. These behaviours not only reduce efficiency, but also have a negative impact on team morale and on the quality of the service provided to citizens.

AI in no man’s land: the chaos over competences

The implementation of AI projects in Spain faces challenges arising from the complex distribution of competences between different levels of administration. The lack of coordination and the existence of contradictory protocols hinder the effective integration of technological solutions, highlighting the need for greater regulatory and operational harmonisation.

Investment vs. reality: the challenge of the funds earmarked for digital transformation

Despite the significant investment earmarked for the digital transformation of public administration, difficulties have been identified relating to the acquisition of suitable technologies and the specialised training of staff. In some cases, a lack of planning and coordination has led to the duplication of efforts and resources, underlining the need for a more coherent and effective strategy in the implementation of digital solutions.

Social consequences: when inefficiency translates into exclusion

Technological difficulties in public administration have direct repercussions on the provision of essential services, affecting both citizens and businesses. Delays in processing benefits and difficulties in completing digital procedures are examples of how technological inefficiency can have a negative impact on society, generating mistrust and exclusion.

Is there a way out?

International experience shows that even centralised systems need time and effort to correct shortcomings in the implementation of AI. For Spain, the solution lies in comprehensive measures that tackle technological fragmentation, promote the continuous training of civil servants and establish clear regulatory frameworks that facilitate interoperability and efficiency in public administration. Only through a coordinated and committed approach will it be possible to turn the current challenges into opportunities for a more modern and effective administration.

The solution requires:

-Mandatory technological unification, as current regulations require.

-Significant additional investment to train civil servants in artificial intelligence and digital skills.

-Public audits of algorithms, following international examples, to ensure transparency and fairness in their application.

Without an urgent plan that unifies technologies, trains civil servants and audits algorithms, Spain will remain relegated in the digital age, with growing social costs