Ethics and algorithmic governance in local public management of Smart Cities: Legal aspects and chalenges

Abstract

Local public management has been increasingly using innovative technologies as a way to accelerate the development and evolution of cities. This growth gives rise to the need to verify and study which principles should guide the creation, implementation, and maintenance of these new algorithm-based systems. The research problem then arises, which asks: How does the lack of robust regulation affect the ability of smart cities to implement ethical and transparent algorithmic governance? To answer the proposed question, the deductive methodological approach was applied, using the monographic procedural method and the bibliographic research technique. Thus, the article is divided into three topics. The first presents the concepts of the terms to be addressed, through a bibliographic review. Next, the challenges faced by public management in the application of this new governance are effectively studied. Finally, the principles and guidelines that should underpin ethical and effective algorithmic governance in the local public sphere are presented. Thus, it was concluded that the challenges that arise precisely due to the non-observance of basic principles inherent to local Public Administration, which must then begin to observe these when including innovative technologies in its processes and public policies.