Robotics and autonomous systems have been dubbed as viable technological solutions to address the incessant demand for long-term care (LTC) across the world, which is exacerbated by ageing populations. However, similar to other emerging technologies, the adoption of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC pose risks and unintended consequences. In the health and LTC sectors, there are additional bioethics concerns that are associated with novel technology applications. Using an in-depth case study, we examined the adoption of novel technologies such as robotics and autonomous systems in LTC to meet the rising social care demand in Singapore consequent to its ageing population. We first described the LTC sector in Singapore and traced the development of robotics and autonomous systems deployed in the LTC setting. We then examined technological risks and ethical issues that are associated with their applications. In addressing these technological risks and ethical concerns, Singapore has adopted a regulatory sandbox approach that fosters experimentation through the creation of a robotics test-bed and the initiation of various robotics pilots in different health clusters. The stakeholders largely envision positive scenarios of human-robot coexistence in the LTC setting. When robots can take over routine and manual care duties in the future, human care workers can be freed up to provide more personalised care to the care recipients. We also highlighted existing gaps in the governance of technological risks and ethical issues surrounding the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC that can be advanced as future research agendas.
In this study, the researcher evaluated the challenges of e-governance implementation in
Nigerian aviation industry, using Dana Airline. The objectives of the study are; to examine the
factors that hinder the effective implementation of e-governance in the selected airline in
aviation industry in Nigeria; and to examine if the factors identified in the implementation of egovernance
have significantly affected the performance of selected airlines in aviation industry
in Nigeria. Recorded population of the study is 850, and the study used Yaro Yamane formula
at 95% confidence level to obtain a sample size of 272. Cronbach alpha was employed to obtain
a reliability instrument that yielded an index coefficient of 0.843, which made the instrument
reliable. In line with the design of this study, the data that were collected for this study were
analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The objectives posed for the study were
answered using mean, standard deviation, and sample independent t-test statistics. The
hypothesis was tested at 5% level of significance. Based on the findings of the study, it was
concluded that ICT infrastructure is the most factor that hinders the implementation of egovernance
in Nigerian aviation industry. This means that without proper ICT infrastructure, it is
impossible to implement the e-governance in aviation industry in a developing country like
Nigeria. In the absence of proper awareness among the users of the e-governance system, it is
impossible to set up an effective e-governance system. Non-acceptability of IT systems, Low
financial capability, Lack of electricity, High-cost, low-reliability of Internet access, Lack of
training facilities and Lack of planning are all factors that hinder the effective implementation of
e-governance in aviation industry in Nigeria. The study also concluded that the
factors/challenges identified in the implementation of e-governance have significantly affected
the performance of selected airlines in aviation industry in Nigeria. The study therefore
recommends among others based on the findings of the study that it is paramount to have a
proper ICT infrastructure to implement e-governance; government should take appropriate steps
to enhance the awareness among the users of e-governance by organizing seminar meeting and
other enlighten the users in the proper application of e-governance.
This paper investigates the general situation of e-government usage of the Turkey. The monthly reports of Social Security Institution E-Government Gateway of Turkey were published for the years of 2012, 2013 and 2014. In this paper, these data are used as an indicator of egovernment usage of Turkey. Basic time series graphs are used in the analysis. The results show that there is no trend in the series. The series move mostly by changes in rules and regulations governing SSI after related news coverage on the media and this could be called as the “curiosity effect”. At last, seasonality of the series was investigated and the seasonal graphs show that generally variables have the lowest level in June.
Framework for Securing Educational E-Government Serviceijcisjournal
Enhancement in technology is leading to a change in the way governments, individuals, institutions and
business entities provide quality services to the citizen. Today's education system plays crucial role for
developing cognizance in society so e-government service is obliged to integrate with educational system.
In this work we proposed a novel framework for integrating educational service within e-government
services. One of the main tasks of this paper is to explore or propose a Secure Examination Management
System (SEMS). The system has been designed using cryptographic primitives, which enables students to
take the exam from anywhere. The student is allowed to take the exam after he gives his necessary
authentication details. In SEMS, it is important to exclude false students while ensuring the privacy for the
honest students. It allows evaluators to share student examination papers for evaluation with proper
authentication. This is done using digital signatures, authentication and confidentiality provided by public
key cryptographic system.
Regulating human control over autonomous systemsAraz Taeihagh
In recent years, many sectors have experienced significant progress in automation, associated with the growing advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. There are already automated robotic weapons, which are able to evaluate and engage with targets on their own, and there are already autonomous vehicles that do not need a human driver. It is argued that the use of increasingly autonomous systems (AS) should be guided by the policy of human control, according to which humans should execute a certain significant level of judgment over AS. While in the military sector there is a fear that AS could mean that humans lose control over life and death decisions, in the transportation domain, on the contrary, there is a strongly held view that autonomy could bring significant operational benefits by removing the need for a human driver. This article explores the notion of human control in the United States in the two domains of defense and transportation. The operationalization of emerging policies of human control results in the typology of direct and indirect human controls exercised over the use of AS. The typology helps to steer the debate away from the linguistic complexities of the term “autonomy.” It identifies instead where human factors are undergoing important changes and ultimately informs about more detailed rules and standards formulation, which differ across domains, applications, and sectors.
Assessing the adoption of e government using tam model case of egyptIJMIT JOURNAL
Electronic government (e-government) was known as an efficient method for government expertness and proficiency as a vital facilitator for citizen-oriented services. Since their initiation over a decade ago, Egovernment services are recognised as a vehicle for accessing online public services. Both governments and academic researchers understand the difficulty of low-level adoption of e-government services among citizens; a common problem between both developing and developed countries. This paper investigates determinants and factors necessary to enhance adoption of citizens for e-government services in developing countries, with particular focus on Egypt, by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) using a set of political, social, and design constructs that were developed from different sources of research literature.
In this study, the researcher evaluated the challenges of e-governance implementation in
Nigerian aviation industry, using Dana Airline. The objectives of the study are; to examine the
factors that hinder the effective implementation of e-governance in the selected airline in
aviation industry in Nigeria; and to examine if the factors identified in the implementation of egovernance
have significantly affected the performance of selected airlines in aviation industry
in Nigeria. Recorded population of the study is 850, and the study used Yaro Yamane formula
at 95% confidence level to obtain a sample size of 272. Cronbach alpha was employed to obtain
a reliability instrument that yielded an index coefficient of 0.843, which made the instrument
reliable. In line with the design of this study, the data that were collected for this study were
analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The objectives posed for the study were
answered using mean, standard deviation, and sample independent t-test statistics. The
hypothesis was tested at 5% level of significance. Based on the findings of the study, it was
concluded that ICT infrastructure is the most factor that hinders the implementation of egovernance
in Nigerian aviation industry. This means that without proper ICT infrastructure, it is
impossible to implement the e-governance in aviation industry in a developing country like
Nigeria. In the absence of proper awareness among the users of the e-governance system, it is
impossible to set up an effective e-governance system. Non-acceptability of IT systems, Low
financial capability, Lack of electricity, High-cost, low-reliability of Internet access, Lack of
training facilities and Lack of planning are all factors that hinder the effective implementation of
e-governance in aviation industry in Nigeria. The study also concluded that the
factors/challenges identified in the implementation of e-governance have significantly affected
the performance of selected airlines in aviation industry in Nigeria. The study therefore
recommends among others based on the findings of the study that it is paramount to have a
proper ICT infrastructure to implement e-governance; government should take appropriate steps
to enhance the awareness among the users of e-governance by organizing seminar meeting and
other enlighten the users in the proper application of e-governance.
This paper investigates the general situation of e-government usage of the Turkey. The monthly reports of Social Security Institution E-Government Gateway of Turkey were published for the years of 2012, 2013 and 2014. In this paper, these data are used as an indicator of egovernment usage of Turkey. Basic time series graphs are used in the analysis. The results show that there is no trend in the series. The series move mostly by changes in rules and regulations governing SSI after related news coverage on the media and this could be called as the “curiosity effect”. At last, seasonality of the series was investigated and the seasonal graphs show that generally variables have the lowest level in June.
Framework for Securing Educational E-Government Serviceijcisjournal
Enhancement in technology is leading to a change in the way governments, individuals, institutions and
business entities provide quality services to the citizen. Today's education system plays crucial role for
developing cognizance in society so e-government service is obliged to integrate with educational system.
In this work we proposed a novel framework for integrating educational service within e-government
services. One of the main tasks of this paper is to explore or propose a Secure Examination Management
System (SEMS). The system has been designed using cryptographic primitives, which enables students to
take the exam from anywhere. The student is allowed to take the exam after he gives his necessary
authentication details. In SEMS, it is important to exclude false students while ensuring the privacy for the
honest students. It allows evaluators to share student examination papers for evaluation with proper
authentication. This is done using digital signatures, authentication and confidentiality provided by public
key cryptographic system.
Regulating human control over autonomous systemsAraz Taeihagh
In recent years, many sectors have experienced significant progress in automation, associated with the growing advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. There are already automated robotic weapons, which are able to evaluate and engage with targets on their own, and there are already autonomous vehicles that do not need a human driver. It is argued that the use of increasingly autonomous systems (AS) should be guided by the policy of human control, according to which humans should execute a certain significant level of judgment over AS. While in the military sector there is a fear that AS could mean that humans lose control over life and death decisions, in the transportation domain, on the contrary, there is a strongly held view that autonomy could bring significant operational benefits by removing the need for a human driver. This article explores the notion of human control in the United States in the two domains of defense and transportation. The operationalization of emerging policies of human control results in the typology of direct and indirect human controls exercised over the use of AS. The typology helps to steer the debate away from the linguistic complexities of the term “autonomy.” It identifies instead where human factors are undergoing important changes and ultimately informs about more detailed rules and standards formulation, which differ across domains, applications, and sectors.
Assessing the adoption of e government using tam model case of egyptIJMIT JOURNAL
Electronic government (e-government) was known as an efficient method for government expertness and proficiency as a vital facilitator for citizen-oriented services. Since their initiation over a decade ago, Egovernment services are recognised as a vehicle for accessing online public services. Both governments and academic researchers understand the difficulty of low-level adoption of e-government services among citizens; a common problem between both developing and developed countries. This paper investigates determinants and factors necessary to enhance adoption of citizens for e-government services in developing countries, with particular focus on Egypt, by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) using a set of political, social, and design constructs that were developed from different sources of research literature.
ASSESSING THE ADOPTION OF E-GOVERNMENT USING TAM MODEL: CASE OF EGYPTIJMIT JOURNAL
Electronic government (e-government) was known as an efficient method for government expertness and proficiency as a vital facilitator for citizen-oriented services. Since their initiation over a decade ago, Egovernment services are recognised as a vehicle for accessing online public services. Both governments and academic researchers understand the difficulty of low-level adoption of e-government services among citizens; a common problem between both developing and developed countries. This paper investigates determinants and factors necessary to enhance adoption of citizens for e-government services in developing countries, with particular focus on Egypt, by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) using a set of political, social, and design constructs that were developed from different sources of research literature.
21st Century Health Care Challenges: A connected health approach. Megatrends...John Smith
Foreword
With the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesia has a potential in the development of digital health technology (eHealth). The technology is expected to facilitate the people of Indonesian to gain health access more easily, which will be a benefit for more than 260 million people who lived in 17.504 islands spreadly in the country. Along with the growing eHealth industry in the country, Deloitte Indonesia, Bahar Law Firm, and
Chapters Indonesia are starting to conduct a study on eHealth industry, which covers the industry growth, various type of eHealth business and services, applications, the use of technology as part of the hospital services, existing infrastructure, legal comparative studies in several countries, and a proposed road map of the eHealth development in Indonesia. The study is the first research publication on eHealth in the country, with the purpose to give inputs to the related stakeholders, specifically to the government to develop and strengthen the eHealth infrastructure for the common good.
The digital revolution in health sector is driven by eHealth development and innovation, which leads to the peer to peer approach that enable the users to share and looking for latest information, long distance-consultation with medical practitioner, which include e-prescribing, and sharing patient’s health documents sharing. The digital health development will lead to open health technology, where the users are able to have open access to more convenient ways in approaching health services.
On the other side of the coin the peer to peer (P2P) technology has an issue on the data security that can give a serious impact in the technology utilization. This issue can make a serious impact in the eHealth business continuity. The team has conducted study comparation in infrastructure and regulation with other countries, where eHealth become part of the daily life and the result shows that the business, government, association, and other related stakeholders should work together to prepare proper infrastructure and regulation to protect the users (community) and business players in the industry.
We hope that the results of this study will be a valuable input for the relevant ministries to promote infrastructure improvements in the field of eHealth which aims to protect the interests of the community and future eHealth advancements. Looking at these problems, this paper aims to deliver an outlook and recommendation for Indonesian regulators, policy makers, academics, business owners, and users about the upcoming future trends in Indonesian health care system.
this is a presentation that i prepared as part of synopsis presentation for my postgraduate project on the topic"effectiveness of e -governance in kerala with special reference to akshaya projects".
An EHealth Adoption Framework for Developing Countries: A Systematic Reviewhiij
There is growing interest in the rate of eHealth uptake resulting from the increased potential to advance the quality of healthcare services in both the developed and developing countries. Although the implementation of information and communication technology to support healthcare delivery would greatly address the quality and accessibility challenges in healthcare as well as reduction in the cost of healthcare delivery, the adoption of eHealth has not been fully realized. This study aimed at conducting a systematic literature review to establish the factors associated with the adoption of eHealth and propose a context-specific framework for successful adoption of eHealth technologies in developing countries such as Uganda. The systematic literature review process was guided by the Systematic Review Protocol. The review of 29 journals from the period 2009-2021 showed that, although the most widely used frameworks in the developing countries were Technology Adoption Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework and Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework, there were other salient factors reported by other researchers that contributed to the adoption of eHealth in developing countries. A novel framework for adoption of eHealth in the local context with eight (8) dimensions namely; Sociodemographic, Technology, Information, Socio-cultural, Organization, Governance, Ethical and legal and Financial dimensions is derived and presented as result of the research.
INVESTIGATING TANZANIA GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES’ ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF SOCIAL MED...IJMIT JOURNAL
The aim of this paper was to present factors which influence work-related adoption of social media among
government employees. The study adapted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology
(UTAUT) and integrated it with three constructs namely Hedonic Motivation (HM), Perceived Personal
Image (PI) and Attitude (AT). The sample of study consisted of 600 usable responses collected using survey
questionnaire from employees based in Tanzania Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) employing
convenience sampling technique. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling. The results
showed that, PI and HM influence attitude (AT), while PI, Social Influence (SI) and AT influence Behavior
Intention (BI). Moreover, SI, PI, AT and BI showed significant effect on actual Use Behavior. Furthermore,
the results showed that PI is affected positively by HM and SI. The added constructs proved to be important
modifications to the UTAUT model as suggested by the increase in explained variance by UTAUT from
70% to 73% on BI and from 53% to 73% on actual use behavior.
Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Adoption of Smart Buildings Using the Tec...Eswar Publications
Objective: This study aimed to find a solution to the acceptance of smart buildings in Iran using the technology
acceptance model (TAM). The main research question is the significance of this model relationships, as well as the
anticipated adoption of smart buildings in Iran using variables included in the model.
Methods: This descriptive study, is based on survey data collection methods and the way of analyzing data is correlational and casual study. Measurement tool was designed based on the standardized questionnaire presented by Davis. The reliability coefficient was 0.88. Statistical population is unlimited and included citizens of Iran in 1395. The sample consisted of 388 individuals. Given the infinity of society and Cochran formula, 384 individual is sufficient for
this research. This study is a random sampling one that was done in the period of 30 days.
Findings and conclusions: The results revealed that all relationships in the model are significant. And among the
variables of the model, perceived usefulness, the attitude toward using, and features of smart buildings had the most
intense relationship in acceptance this technology. Using regression equations, each of the dependent variables in the
model, is predictable by the independent variables.
Innovation of research: The intensity of relationship between variables in technology acceptance model and impact of each variable in explaining the criterion factor was analyzed.
Research limitations: Many people tend not to complete the questionnaire and some ones answer questions unrealistic. Despite all the explanations to justify the respondents, still there are possible directions in responses.
Practical consequences: Using regression equations obtained in this study, we can predict the criterion variables in the
model of technology adoption.
It is mandatory by law for all employers in Nigeria to engage in occupational
scheme pension. However, the principles of pension documentation and services are
static despite the dynamics of reforms. Most of these problems are caused by the
manual approach used by the pension fund administrator. The aim of the pension
system is to expedite consumption equalization by making mandatory provision for the
future after service. This study analyses the problems faced by many retirees in the
Central Region of Nigeria, Kogi State in recent times. The study seeks to develop a
secure system for pensioners to assess information on payment of their pension with
ease through a computerized pension verification system by adapting the Waterfall
model, using tools like the Hypertext Preprocessor Program (PHP) for the
programming language which is used in carrying out the web-based pension fund
management scheme for effective, efficient, reliable and easy accessibility, and also
the use of MYSOL for the database. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the
staff pension system developed in this research should be adopted by all states.
Tensions and antagonistic interactions of risks and ethics of using robotics ...Araz Taeihagh
The dwindling informal care support structure for the older population and the shortage of skilled nursing care staff propelled the rise of robotics and autonomous systems as potential solutions to meet the rising demands in long-term care. However, the nascent development in the governance of their applications could predispose older people to the negative ramifications of technological risks and ethical issues. This systematic review maps out four technological risks and five ethical issues in the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems in long-term care. Safety, privacy, liability, and adverse employment consequences to the existing nursing care workers were identified as major technological risks; while loss of autonomy, loss of human interaction and social connectedness, objectification and infantilisation, deception and social justice were identified as five major ethical issues related to the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems in long-term care. This review also identified antagonistic interactions between some of the technological risks and ethical issues that could offset each other. Findings from the review have implications for advancing knowledge on the governance of robotics in long-term care. Policy formulations and implementations would need to account for intricate issues that could arise from technological risks, ethical issues and their paradoxical interactions.
The rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the intensification in the adoption of AI in domains such as autonomous vehicles, lethal weapon systems, robotics and alike pose serious challenges to governments as they must manage the scale and speed of socio-technical transitions occurring. While there is considerable literature emerging on various aspects of AI, governance of AI is a significantly underdeveloped area. The new applications of AI offer opportunities for increasing economic efficiency and quality of life, but they also generate unexpected and unintended consequences and pose new forms of risks that need to be addressed. To enhance the benefits from AI while minimising the adverse risks, governments worldwide need to understand better the scope and depth of the risks posed and develop regulatory and governance processes and structures to address these challenges. This introductory article unpacks AI and describes why the Governance of AI should be gaining far more attention given the myriad of challenges it presents. It then summarises the special issue articles and highlights their key contributions. This special issue introduces the multifaceted challenges of governance of AI, including emerging governance approaches to AI, policy capacity building, exploring legal and regulatory challenges of AI and Robotics, and outstanding issues and gaps that need attention. The special issue showcases the state-of-the-art in the governance of AI, aiming to enable researchers and practitioners to appreciate the challenges and complexities of AI governance and highlight future avenues for exploration.
A governance perspective on user acceptance of autonomous systems in SingaporeAraz Taeihagh
Autonomous systems that operate without human intervention by utilising artificial intelligence are a significant feature of the fourth industrial revolution. Various autonomous systems, such as driverless cars, unmanned drones and robots, are being tested in ongoing trials and have even been adopted in some countries. While there has been a discussion of the benefits and risks of specific autonomous systems, more needs to be known about user acceptance of these systems. The reactions of the public, especially regarding novel technologies, can help policymakers better understand people's perspectives and needs, and involve them in decision-making for governance and regulation of autonomous systems. This study has examined the factors that influence the acceptance of autonomous systems by the public in Singapore, which is a forerunner in the adoption of autonomous systems. The Unified Technology Adoption and Use Theory (UTAUT) is modified by introducing the role of government and perceived risk in using the systems. Using structural equation modelling to analyse data from an online survey (n = 500) in Singapore, we find that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and trust in government to govern autonomous systems significantly and positively impact the behavioural intention to use autonomous systems. Perceived risk has a negative relationship with user acceptance of autonomous systems. This study contributes to the literature by identifying latent variables that affect behavioural intention to use autonomous systems, especially by introducing the factor of trust in government to manage risks from the use of these systems and filling the gap by studying the entire domain of autonomous systems instead of a narrow focus on one application. The findings will enable policymakers to understand the perceptions of the public in regard to adoption and regulation, and designers and manufacturers to improve user experience.
Navigating the governance challenges of disruptive technologies insights from...Araz Taeihagh
The proliferation of autonomous systems like unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous vehicles and AI-powered industrial and social robots can benefit society significantly, but these systems also present significant governance challenges in operational, legal, economic, social, and ethical dimensions. Singapore’s role as a front-runner in the trial of autonomous systems presents an insightful case to study whether the current provisional regulations address the challenges. With multiple stakeholder involvement in setting provisional regulations, government stewardship is essential for coordinating robust regulation and helping to address complex issues such as ethical dilemmas and social connectedness in governing autonomous systems.
Artificial Intelligence for Social GoodTom Simpson
This report is based on realities and experiences from Asia and the Pacific, and provides various perspectives on what AI for social good may look like in this region. More importantly, the report offers suggestions from the research community on how policymakers can encourage, use, and regulate AI for social good.
FirstReview these assigned readings; they will serve as your .docxclydes2
First:
Review these assigned readings; they will serve as your scientific sources of accurate information:
http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/Top_10_Stem_Cell_Treatment_Facts.html
http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/How_Science_Becomes_Medicine.html
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/649266-fighting-ageing-using-stem-cell-therapy.html
http://www.nature.com/news/stem-cells-in-texas-cowboy-culture-1.12404
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/blog/stem-cell-hype-and-risk-1.3654515
http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/7/278/278ps4.full
Next:
Use a standard Google search for this phrase: “stem cell therapy.” Do not go to Google Scholar. Select one of the websites, blogs, or other locations that offer stem cell therapies.
Save the link for your selected site.
Read the materials provided on your selected site and find out who the authors and sponsors of the site are by going to their “home” or “about us” pages.
Finally, submit your responses to the following in an essay of 500-750 words (2-3 pages of text—use a separate page for a title and for your references):
You are going to prepare a critique of the site you located and compare it to the scientific information available on this therapy.
Give the full title of the website, web blog, or other site that you selected, along with the link.
Describe the therapy that is being offered and what conditions it is designed to treat.
Who are the authors and sponsors of the site you selected?
Compare the claims about the therapy offered to what is said in the assigned readings about this type of therapy. You may have to use our library, as well, to determine what scientists and researchers have to say about the use of stem cells to treat this condition.
Would you say that the therapy you found is a well-established, proven technique for humans, or more of an experimental, unproven approach?
What about the type of language discussed in the Goldman article? Is the therapy you found using sensationalist claims and terminology that are not supported by the scientific research?
Would you recommend that a patient with this condition go ahead and participate in this treatment? Why or why not?
Literature review on how Information Technology has impacted governing bodies’ ability to align public policy with stakeholder needs
Nowadays, the governing bodies both in public and private sectors are dealing with complex systems on a day to day operations. These systems are made up of different components which present varying interactions and interrelationships with and/or among each other; therefore, making their management to be difficult or challenging. Indeed, Ruiz, Zabaleta & Elorza (2016), highlighted that public policymakers have to deal with complex systems which involve heterogeneous agents that act in non-linear behaviors making their management difficult. Neziraj & Shaqiri (2018) also stated that the policymakers are faced with problems which are complex and non-uniform due to a lot of uncertainties and risk situ.
Data Sharing in Disruptive Technologies Lessons from Adoption of Autonomous S...Araz Taeihagh
Autonomous systems have been a key segment of disruptive technologies for which data are constantly collected, processed, and shared to enable their operations. The internet of things facilitates the storage and transmission of data and data sharing is vital to power their development. However, privacy, cybersecurity, and trust issues have ramifications that form distinct and unforeseen barriers to sharing data. This paper identifies six types of barriers to data sharing (technical, motivational, economic, political, legal, and ethical), examines strategies to overcome these barriers in different autonomous systems, and proposes recommendations to address them. We traced the steps the Singapore government has taken through regulations and frameworks for autonomous systems to overcome barriers to data sharing. The results suggest specific strategies for autonomous systems as well as generic strategies that apply to a broader set of disruptive technologies. To address technical barriers, data sharing within regulatory sandboxes should be promoted. Promoting public-private collaborations will help in overcoming motivational barriers. Resources and analytical capacity must be ramped up to overcome economic barriers. Advancing comprehensive data sharing guidelines and discretionary privacy laws will help overcome political and legal barriers. Further, enforcement of ethical analysis is necessary for overcoming ethical barriers in data sharing. Insights gained from this study will have implications for other jurisdictions keen to maximize data sharing to increase the potential of disruptive technologies such as autonomous systems in solving urban problems.
Research Inventy : International Journal of Engineering and Science is published by the group of young academic and industrial researchers with 12 Issues per year. It is an online as well as print version open access journal that provides rapid publication (monthly) of articles in all areas of the subject such as: civil, mechanical, chemical, electronic and computer engineering as well as production and information technology. The Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence. Papers will be published by rapid process within 20 days after acceptance and peer review process takes only 7 days. All articles published in Research Inventy will be peer-reviewed.
ASSESSING THE ADOPTION OF E-GOVERNMENT USING TAM MODEL: CASE OF EGYPTIJMIT JOURNAL
Electronic government (e-government) was known as an efficient method for government expertness and proficiency as a vital facilitator for citizen-oriented services. Since their initiation over a decade ago, Egovernment services are recognised as a vehicle for accessing online public services. Both governments and academic researchers understand the difficulty of low-level adoption of e-government services among citizens; a common problem between both developing and developed countries. This paper investigates determinants and factors necessary to enhance adoption of citizens for e-government services in developing countries, with particular focus on Egypt, by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) using a set of political, social, and design constructs that were developed from different sources of research literature.
21st Century Health Care Challenges: A connected health approach. Megatrends...John Smith
Foreword
With the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesia has a potential in the development of digital health technology (eHealth). The technology is expected to facilitate the people of Indonesian to gain health access more easily, which will be a benefit for more than 260 million people who lived in 17.504 islands spreadly in the country. Along with the growing eHealth industry in the country, Deloitte Indonesia, Bahar Law Firm, and
Chapters Indonesia are starting to conduct a study on eHealth industry, which covers the industry growth, various type of eHealth business and services, applications, the use of technology as part of the hospital services, existing infrastructure, legal comparative studies in several countries, and a proposed road map of the eHealth development in Indonesia. The study is the first research publication on eHealth in the country, with the purpose to give inputs to the related stakeholders, specifically to the government to develop and strengthen the eHealth infrastructure for the common good.
The digital revolution in health sector is driven by eHealth development and innovation, which leads to the peer to peer approach that enable the users to share and looking for latest information, long distance-consultation with medical practitioner, which include e-prescribing, and sharing patient’s health documents sharing. The digital health development will lead to open health technology, where the users are able to have open access to more convenient ways in approaching health services.
On the other side of the coin the peer to peer (P2P) technology has an issue on the data security that can give a serious impact in the technology utilization. This issue can make a serious impact in the eHealth business continuity. The team has conducted study comparation in infrastructure and regulation with other countries, where eHealth become part of the daily life and the result shows that the business, government, association, and other related stakeholders should work together to prepare proper infrastructure and regulation to protect the users (community) and business players in the industry.
We hope that the results of this study will be a valuable input for the relevant ministries to promote infrastructure improvements in the field of eHealth which aims to protect the interests of the community and future eHealth advancements. Looking at these problems, this paper aims to deliver an outlook and recommendation for Indonesian regulators, policy makers, academics, business owners, and users about the upcoming future trends in Indonesian health care system.
this is a presentation that i prepared as part of synopsis presentation for my postgraduate project on the topic"effectiveness of e -governance in kerala with special reference to akshaya projects".
An EHealth Adoption Framework for Developing Countries: A Systematic Reviewhiij
There is growing interest in the rate of eHealth uptake resulting from the increased potential to advance the quality of healthcare services in both the developed and developing countries. Although the implementation of information and communication technology to support healthcare delivery would greatly address the quality and accessibility challenges in healthcare as well as reduction in the cost of healthcare delivery, the adoption of eHealth has not been fully realized. This study aimed at conducting a systematic literature review to establish the factors associated with the adoption of eHealth and propose a context-specific framework for successful adoption of eHealth technologies in developing countries such as Uganda. The systematic literature review process was guided by the Systematic Review Protocol. The review of 29 journals from the period 2009-2021 showed that, although the most widely used frameworks in the developing countries were Technology Adoption Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework and Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework, there were other salient factors reported by other researchers that contributed to the adoption of eHealth in developing countries. A novel framework for adoption of eHealth in the local context with eight (8) dimensions namely; Sociodemographic, Technology, Information, Socio-cultural, Organization, Governance, Ethical and legal and Financial dimensions is derived and presented as result of the research.
INVESTIGATING TANZANIA GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES’ ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF SOCIAL MED...IJMIT JOURNAL
The aim of this paper was to present factors which influence work-related adoption of social media among
government employees. The study adapted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology
(UTAUT) and integrated it with three constructs namely Hedonic Motivation (HM), Perceived Personal
Image (PI) and Attitude (AT). The sample of study consisted of 600 usable responses collected using survey
questionnaire from employees based in Tanzania Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) employing
convenience sampling technique. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling. The results
showed that, PI and HM influence attitude (AT), while PI, Social Influence (SI) and AT influence Behavior
Intention (BI). Moreover, SI, PI, AT and BI showed significant effect on actual Use Behavior. Furthermore,
the results showed that PI is affected positively by HM and SI. The added constructs proved to be important
modifications to the UTAUT model as suggested by the increase in explained variance by UTAUT from
70% to 73% on BI and from 53% to 73% on actual use behavior.
Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Adoption of Smart Buildings Using the Tec...Eswar Publications
Objective: This study aimed to find a solution to the acceptance of smart buildings in Iran using the technology
acceptance model (TAM). The main research question is the significance of this model relationships, as well as the
anticipated adoption of smart buildings in Iran using variables included in the model.
Methods: This descriptive study, is based on survey data collection methods and the way of analyzing data is correlational and casual study. Measurement tool was designed based on the standardized questionnaire presented by Davis. The reliability coefficient was 0.88. Statistical population is unlimited and included citizens of Iran in 1395. The sample consisted of 388 individuals. Given the infinity of society and Cochran formula, 384 individual is sufficient for
this research. This study is a random sampling one that was done in the period of 30 days.
Findings and conclusions: The results revealed that all relationships in the model are significant. And among the
variables of the model, perceived usefulness, the attitude toward using, and features of smart buildings had the most
intense relationship in acceptance this technology. Using regression equations, each of the dependent variables in the
model, is predictable by the independent variables.
Innovation of research: The intensity of relationship between variables in technology acceptance model and impact of each variable in explaining the criterion factor was analyzed.
Research limitations: Many people tend not to complete the questionnaire and some ones answer questions unrealistic. Despite all the explanations to justify the respondents, still there are possible directions in responses.
Practical consequences: Using regression equations obtained in this study, we can predict the criterion variables in the
model of technology adoption.
It is mandatory by law for all employers in Nigeria to engage in occupational
scheme pension. However, the principles of pension documentation and services are
static despite the dynamics of reforms. Most of these problems are caused by the
manual approach used by the pension fund administrator. The aim of the pension
system is to expedite consumption equalization by making mandatory provision for the
future after service. This study analyses the problems faced by many retirees in the
Central Region of Nigeria, Kogi State in recent times. The study seeks to develop a
secure system for pensioners to assess information on payment of their pension with
ease through a computerized pension verification system by adapting the Waterfall
model, using tools like the Hypertext Preprocessor Program (PHP) for the
programming language which is used in carrying out the web-based pension fund
management scheme for effective, efficient, reliable and easy accessibility, and also
the use of MYSOL for the database. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the
staff pension system developed in this research should be adopted by all states.
Tensions and antagonistic interactions of risks and ethics of using robotics ...Araz Taeihagh
The dwindling informal care support structure for the older population and the shortage of skilled nursing care staff propelled the rise of robotics and autonomous systems as potential solutions to meet the rising demands in long-term care. However, the nascent development in the governance of their applications could predispose older people to the negative ramifications of technological risks and ethical issues. This systematic review maps out four technological risks and five ethical issues in the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems in long-term care. Safety, privacy, liability, and adverse employment consequences to the existing nursing care workers were identified as major technological risks; while loss of autonomy, loss of human interaction and social connectedness, objectification and infantilisation, deception and social justice were identified as five major ethical issues related to the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems in long-term care. This review also identified antagonistic interactions between some of the technological risks and ethical issues that could offset each other. Findings from the review have implications for advancing knowledge on the governance of robotics in long-term care. Policy formulations and implementations would need to account for intricate issues that could arise from technological risks, ethical issues and their paradoxical interactions.
The rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the intensification in the adoption of AI in domains such as autonomous vehicles, lethal weapon systems, robotics and alike pose serious challenges to governments as they must manage the scale and speed of socio-technical transitions occurring. While there is considerable literature emerging on various aspects of AI, governance of AI is a significantly underdeveloped area. The new applications of AI offer opportunities for increasing economic efficiency and quality of life, but they also generate unexpected and unintended consequences and pose new forms of risks that need to be addressed. To enhance the benefits from AI while minimising the adverse risks, governments worldwide need to understand better the scope and depth of the risks posed and develop regulatory and governance processes and structures to address these challenges. This introductory article unpacks AI and describes why the Governance of AI should be gaining far more attention given the myriad of challenges it presents. It then summarises the special issue articles and highlights their key contributions. This special issue introduces the multifaceted challenges of governance of AI, including emerging governance approaches to AI, policy capacity building, exploring legal and regulatory challenges of AI and Robotics, and outstanding issues and gaps that need attention. The special issue showcases the state-of-the-art in the governance of AI, aiming to enable researchers and practitioners to appreciate the challenges and complexities of AI governance and highlight future avenues for exploration.
A governance perspective on user acceptance of autonomous systems in SingaporeAraz Taeihagh
Autonomous systems that operate without human intervention by utilising artificial intelligence are a significant feature of the fourth industrial revolution. Various autonomous systems, such as driverless cars, unmanned drones and robots, are being tested in ongoing trials and have even been adopted in some countries. While there has been a discussion of the benefits and risks of specific autonomous systems, more needs to be known about user acceptance of these systems. The reactions of the public, especially regarding novel technologies, can help policymakers better understand people's perspectives and needs, and involve them in decision-making for governance and regulation of autonomous systems. This study has examined the factors that influence the acceptance of autonomous systems by the public in Singapore, which is a forerunner in the adoption of autonomous systems. The Unified Technology Adoption and Use Theory (UTAUT) is modified by introducing the role of government and perceived risk in using the systems. Using structural equation modelling to analyse data from an online survey (n = 500) in Singapore, we find that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and trust in government to govern autonomous systems significantly and positively impact the behavioural intention to use autonomous systems. Perceived risk has a negative relationship with user acceptance of autonomous systems. This study contributes to the literature by identifying latent variables that affect behavioural intention to use autonomous systems, especially by introducing the factor of trust in government to manage risks from the use of these systems and filling the gap by studying the entire domain of autonomous systems instead of a narrow focus on one application. The findings will enable policymakers to understand the perceptions of the public in regard to adoption and regulation, and designers and manufacturers to improve user experience.
Navigating the governance challenges of disruptive technologies insights from...Araz Taeihagh
The proliferation of autonomous systems like unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous vehicles and AI-powered industrial and social robots can benefit society significantly, but these systems also present significant governance challenges in operational, legal, economic, social, and ethical dimensions. Singapore’s role as a front-runner in the trial of autonomous systems presents an insightful case to study whether the current provisional regulations address the challenges. With multiple stakeholder involvement in setting provisional regulations, government stewardship is essential for coordinating robust regulation and helping to address complex issues such as ethical dilemmas and social connectedness in governing autonomous systems.
Artificial Intelligence for Social GoodTom Simpson
This report is based on realities and experiences from Asia and the Pacific, and provides various perspectives on what AI for social good may look like in this region. More importantly, the report offers suggestions from the research community on how policymakers can encourage, use, and regulate AI for social good.
FirstReview these assigned readings; they will serve as your .docxclydes2
First:
Review these assigned readings; they will serve as your scientific sources of accurate information:
http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/Top_10_Stem_Cell_Treatment_Facts.html
http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/How_Science_Becomes_Medicine.html
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/649266-fighting-ageing-using-stem-cell-therapy.html
http://www.nature.com/news/stem-cells-in-texas-cowboy-culture-1.12404
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/blog/stem-cell-hype-and-risk-1.3654515
http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/7/278/278ps4.full
Next:
Use a standard Google search for this phrase: “stem cell therapy.” Do not go to Google Scholar. Select one of the websites, blogs, or other locations that offer stem cell therapies.
Save the link for your selected site.
Read the materials provided on your selected site and find out who the authors and sponsors of the site are by going to their “home” or “about us” pages.
Finally, submit your responses to the following in an essay of 500-750 words (2-3 pages of text—use a separate page for a title and for your references):
You are going to prepare a critique of the site you located and compare it to the scientific information available on this therapy.
Give the full title of the website, web blog, or other site that you selected, along with the link.
Describe the therapy that is being offered and what conditions it is designed to treat.
Who are the authors and sponsors of the site you selected?
Compare the claims about the therapy offered to what is said in the assigned readings about this type of therapy. You may have to use our library, as well, to determine what scientists and researchers have to say about the use of stem cells to treat this condition.
Would you say that the therapy you found is a well-established, proven technique for humans, or more of an experimental, unproven approach?
What about the type of language discussed in the Goldman article? Is the therapy you found using sensationalist claims and terminology that are not supported by the scientific research?
Would you recommend that a patient with this condition go ahead and participate in this treatment? Why or why not?
Literature review on how Information Technology has impacted governing bodies’ ability to align public policy with stakeholder needs
Nowadays, the governing bodies both in public and private sectors are dealing with complex systems on a day to day operations. These systems are made up of different components which present varying interactions and interrelationships with and/or among each other; therefore, making their management to be difficult or challenging. Indeed, Ruiz, Zabaleta & Elorza (2016), highlighted that public policymakers have to deal with complex systems which involve heterogeneous agents that act in non-linear behaviors making their management difficult. Neziraj & Shaqiri (2018) also stated that the policymakers are faced with problems which are complex and non-uniform due to a lot of uncertainties and risk situ.
Data Sharing in Disruptive Technologies Lessons from Adoption of Autonomous S...Araz Taeihagh
Autonomous systems have been a key segment of disruptive technologies for which data are constantly collected, processed, and shared to enable their operations. The internet of things facilitates the storage and transmission of data and data sharing is vital to power their development. However, privacy, cybersecurity, and trust issues have ramifications that form distinct and unforeseen barriers to sharing data. This paper identifies six types of barriers to data sharing (technical, motivational, economic, political, legal, and ethical), examines strategies to overcome these barriers in different autonomous systems, and proposes recommendations to address them. We traced the steps the Singapore government has taken through regulations and frameworks for autonomous systems to overcome barriers to data sharing. The results suggest specific strategies for autonomous systems as well as generic strategies that apply to a broader set of disruptive technologies. To address technical barriers, data sharing within regulatory sandboxes should be promoted. Promoting public-private collaborations will help in overcoming motivational barriers. Resources and analytical capacity must be ramped up to overcome economic barriers. Advancing comprehensive data sharing guidelines and discretionary privacy laws will help overcome political and legal barriers. Further, enforcement of ethical analysis is necessary for overcoming ethical barriers in data sharing. Insights gained from this study will have implications for other jurisdictions keen to maximize data sharing to increase the potential of disruptive technologies such as autonomous systems in solving urban problems.
Research Inventy : International Journal of Engineering and Science is published by the group of young academic and industrial researchers with 12 Issues per year. It is an online as well as print version open access journal that provides rapid publication (monthly) of articles in all areas of the subject such as: civil, mechanical, chemical, electronic and computer engineering as well as production and information technology. The Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence. Papers will be published by rapid process within 20 days after acceptance and peer review process takes only 7 days. All articles published in Research Inventy will be peer-reviewed.
Japan is reaching its major turning point. The increasing need for medical care and nursing is evident due to the rapidly aging population. According to the estimates, the number of 65+ year-olds increases about 7.09 million over 15 years (from 2010 to 2025) and the ratio of the aged to the total population surges from 23% to 30%.
hsns09:Ethical considerations around telecare-Andrew EcclesIriss
Andrew Eccles, Lecturer, Glasgow School of Social Work.
http://www.strath.ac.uk/gssw/staff/gsswstaff/ecclesandrewmr/
Connected Practice Symposium,Human Services in the Network Society,Changes, Challenges & Opportunities. The Institute for Advanced Studies, Glasgow 14-15 September 2009.
http://connectedpractice.iriss.org.uk/
Learning and Skilling - A Future Work PerspectiveIET India
Businesses seem to be changing at a relentless pace with the advent of AI and big data. Organisations exist in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) state rather than anticipating known risks. Change is the new normal and here to stay, we need to embrace it.
Upskilling and staying relevant are much needed during these trying times and staying calm and focused can help put things in perspective.
Ability to adapt is the most important skill at a time when companies are undergoing digital transformation and this skill takes precedence over technical knowledge, communication skills or problem solving – all of which are touted as important 21st century skills. But how do individuals as well as organisations build this crucial skill?
View the report to know how to bridge the skill gap
THE TRANSFORMATION RISK-BENEFIT MODEL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:BALANCING RI...gerogepatton
This paper summarizes the most cogent advantages and risks associated with Artificial Intelligence from an
in-depth review of the literature. Then the authors synthesize the salient risk-related models currently being
used in AI, technology and business-related scenarios. Next, in view of an updated context of AI along with
theories and models reviewed and expanded constructs, the writers propose a new framework called “The
Transformation Risk-Benefit Model of Artificial Intelligence” to address the increasing fears and levels of
AIrisk. Using the model characteristics, the article emphasizes practical and innovative solutions where
benefitsoutweigh risks and three use cases in healthcare, climate change/environment and cyber security to
illustrate unique interplay of principles, dimensions and processes of this powerful AI transformational
model.
THE TRANSFORMATION RISK-BENEFIT MODEL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:BALANCING RI...ijaia
This paper summarizes the most cogent advantages and risks associated with Artificial Intelligence from an
in-depth review of the literature. Then the authors synthesize the salient risk-related models currently being
used in AI, technology and business-related scenarios. Next, in view of an updated context of AI along with
theories and models reviewed and expanded constructs, the writers propose a new framework called “The
Transformation Risk-Benefit Model of Artificial Intelligence” to address the increasing fears and levels of
AIrisk. Using the model characteristics, the article emphasizes practical and innovative solutions where
benefitsoutweigh risks and three use cases in healthcare, climate change/environment and cyber security to
illustrate unique interplay of principles, dimensions and processes of this powerful AI transformational
model.
THE TRANSFORMATION RISK-BENEFIT MODEL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:BALANCING RI...ijaia
This paper summarizes the most cogent advantages and risks associated with Artificial Intelligence from an
in-depth review of the literature. Then the authors synthesize the salient risk-related models currently being
used in AI, technology and business-related scenarios. Next, in view of an updated context of AI along with
theories and models reviewed and expanded constructs, the writers propose a new framework called “The
Transformation Risk-Benefit Model of Artificial Intelligence” to address the increasing fears and levels of
AIrisk. Using the model characteristics, the article emphasizes practical and innovative solutions where
benefitsoutweigh risks and three use cases in healthcare, climate change/environment and cyber security to
illustrate unique interplay of principles, dimensions and processes of this powerful AI transformational
model.
With the covid-19 outbreak, digital transformation in industries got boosted. Organizations started relying on digital platforms to achieve their objectives during these vulnerable times. Employees are now expected to learn digital ethics in order to maintain decorum on digital platforms. Digital ethics are organizational, social, and interpersonal norms.
Adaptive governance of autonomous vehicles: Accelerating the adoption of disr...Araz Taeihagh
Highlights
• Safety, privacy, cybersecurity, liability, and effects on the incumbent industry are major technological risks associated with AVs.
• Adopting an experimentalist spirit and openness towards regulatory revisions are key to effective adoption of disruptive technology.
• The development of AV-specific regulations on liability and cybersecurity remains a challenging endeavour in the current regulatory climate.
• Government's stewardship and collaboration with stakeholders to address risks, while strengthening policy capacity and creating a friendly business environment that fosters experiments is a formula for success.
• Simultaneous adoption of different issue-specific strategies can result in prescriptive and responsive policies which can help rolling out disruptive technologies.
Abstract - Despite their promise, there have been discussions surrounding the technological risks of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the extent to which AVs are ready for large-scale deployment. Using a case study approach, this article examines the development and implementation of AVs in Singapore. Our findings reveal that AV regulatory sandboxes, the formalisation of safety assessments and the release of technical guidelines are some of the most adaptive and innovative instruments that have been adopted to govern AVs in Singapore. Furthermore, Singapore's approach to AVs has applied an adaptive strategy that is both pre-emptive and responsive. The accelerated expansion of trials and regulatory provisions for AVs demonstrates Singapore's aspiration to be nimble, and showcases the simultaneous adoption of two contrasting implementation approaches – prescriptive and experimentalist – to guide AV adoption. The regulatory lessons derived from the governance of AVs in Singapore could provide useful policy guidance, and could inform policy discussions of AVs as well as other autonomous systems.
Keywords: Autonomous vehicles, Driverless cars, Adaptive Governance, Singapore, Case study,
Internet of Everything: A $4.6 Trillion Public-Sector OpportunityJoseph M Bradley
More than perhaps any technological advance since the dawn of the Internet, the Internet of Everything (IoE) — the networked connection of people, process, data, and things — holds tremendous potential for helping public-sector leaders address their many challenges, including the gap separating citizen expectations and what governments are currently delivering.
Similar to Governing the adoption of robotics and autonomous systems in long term care in singapore (20)
Unmasking deepfakes: A systematic review of deepfake detection and generation...Araz Taeihagh
Due to the fast spread of data through digital media, individuals and societies must assess the reliability of information. Deepfakes are not a novel idea but they are now a widespread phenomenon. The impact of deepfakes and disinformation can range from infuriating individuals to affecting and misleading entire societies and even nations. There are several ways to detect and generate deepfakes online. By conducting a systematic literature analysis, in this study we explore automatic key detection and generation methods, frameworks, algorithms, and tools for identifying deepfakes (audio, images, and videos), and how these approaches can be employed within different situations to counter the spread of deepfakes and the generation of disinformation. Moreover, we explore state-of-the-art frameworks related to deepfakes to understand how emerging machine learning and deep learning approaches affect online disinformation. We also highlight practical challenges and trends in implementing policies to counter deepfakes. Finally, we provide policy recommendations based on analyzing how emerging artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can be employed to detect and generate deepfakes online. This study benefits the community and readers by providing a better understanding of recent developments in deepfake detection and generation frameworks. The study also sheds a light on the potential of AI in relation to deepfakes.
The soft underbelly of complexity science adoption in policymakingAraz Taeihagh
The deepening integration of social-technical systems creates immensely complex environments, creating increasingly uncertain and unpredictable circumstances. Given this context, policymakers have been encouraged to draw on complexity science-informed approaches in policymaking to help grapple with and manage the mounting complexity of the world. For nearly eighty years, complexity-informed approaches have been promising to change how our complex systems are understood and managed, ultimately assisting in better policymaking. Despite the potential of complexity science, in practice, its use often remains limited to a few specialised domains and has not become part and parcel of the mainstream policy debate. To understand why this might be the case, we question why complexity science remains nascent and not integrated into the core of policymaking. Specifically, we ask what the non-technical challenges and barriers are preventing the adoption of complexity science into policymaking. To address this question, we conducted an extensive literature review. We collected the scattered fragments of text that discussed the non-technical challenges related to the use of complexity science in policymaking and stitched these fragments into a structured framework by synthesising our findings. Our framework consists of three thematic groupings of the non-technical challenges: (a) management, cost, and adoption challenges; (b) limited trust, communication, and acceptance; and (c) ethical barriers. For each broad challenge identified, we propose a mitigation strategy to facilitate the adoption of complexity science into policymaking. We conclude with a call for action to integrate complexity science into policymaking further.
Development of New Generation of Artificial Intelligence in ChinaAraz Taeihagh
How did China become one of the leaders in AI development, and will China prevail in the ongoing AI race with the US? Existing studies have focused on the Chinese central government’s role in promoting AI. Notwithstanding the importance of the central government, a significant portion of the responsibility for AI development falls on local governments’ shoulders. Local governments have diverging interests, capacities and, therefore, approaches to promoting AI. This poses an important question: How do local governments respond to the central government’s policies on emerging technologies, such as AI? This article answers this question by examining the convergence or divergence of central and local priorities related to AI development by analysing the central and local AI policy documents and the provincial variations by focusing on the diffusion of the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan (NGAIDP) in China. Using a unique dataset of China’s provincial AI-related policies that cite the NGAIDP, the nature of diffusion of the NGAIDP is examined by conducting content analysis and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). This study highlights the important role of local governments in China’s AI development and emphasises examining policy diffusion as a political process.
Governing disruptive technologies for inclusive development in citiesAraz Taeihagh
Abstract
Cities are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to address complex challenges. Applying technologies such as information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and autonomous systems in cities' design, planning, and management can cause disruptive changes in their social, economic, and environmental composition. Through a systematic literature review, this research develops a conceptual model linking (1) the dominant city labels relating to tech-driven urban development, (2) the characteristics and applications of disruptive technologies, and (3) the current understanding of inclusive urban development. We extend the discussion by identifying and incorporating the motivations behind adopting disruptive technologies and the challenges they present to inclusive development. We find that inclusive development in tech-driven cities can be realised if governments develop suitable adaptive regulatory frameworks for involving technology companies, build policy capacity, and adopt more adaptive models of governance. We also stress the importance of acknowledging the influence of digital literacy and smart citizenship, and exploring other dimensions of inclusivity, for governing disruptive technologies in inclusive smart cities.
Why and how is the power of big teach increasing?Araz Taeihagh
Abstract: The growing digitalization of our society has led to a meteoric rise of large technology companies (Big Tech), which have amassed tremendous wealth and influence through their ownership of digital infrastructure and platforms. The recent launch of ChatGPT and the rapid popularization of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) act as a focusing event to further accelerate the concentration of power in the hands of the Big Tech. By using Kingdon’s multiple streams framework, this article investigates how Big Tech utilize their technological monopoly and political influence to reshape the policy landscape and establish themselves as key actors in the policy process. It explores the implications of the rise of Big Tech for policy theory in two ways. First, it develops the Big Tech-centric technology stream, highlighting the differing motivations and activities from the traditional innovation-centric technology stream. Second, it underscores the universality of Big Tech exerting ubiquitous influence within and across streams, to primarily serve their self-interests rather than promote innovation. Our findings emphasize the need for a more critical exploration of policy role of Big Tech to ensure balanced and effective policy outcomes in the age of AI.
Keywords: generative AI, governance, artificial intelligence, big tech, multiple streams framework
Sustainable energy adoption in poor rural areasAraz Taeihagh
Abstract
A growing body of literature recognises the role of local participation by end users in the successful implementation of sustainable development projects. Such community-based initiatives are widely assumed to be beneficial in providing additional savings, increasing knowledge and skills, and improving social cohesion. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the success (or failure) of such projects, as well as a lack of formal impact assessment methodologies that can be used to assess their effectiveness in meeting the needs of communities. Using a case study approach, we investigate the effectiveness of community-based energy projects in regard to achieving long-term renewable energy technology (RET) adoption in energy-poor island communities in the Philippines. This paper provides an alternative analytical framework for assessing the impact of community-based energy projects by defining RET adoption as a continuous and relational process that co-evolves and co-produces over time, highlighting the role of social capital in the long-term RET adoption process. In addition, by using the Social Impact Assessment methodology, we study off-grid, disaster-vulnerable and energy-poor communities in the Philippines and we assess community renewable energy (RE) projects implemented in those communities. We analyse the nature of participation in the RET adoption process, the social relations and interactions formed between and among the different stakeholders, and the characteristics, patterns and challenges of the adoption process.
Highlights
• Community-based approaches aid state-led renewable energy in off-grid areas.
• Social capital in communities addresses immediate energy needs in affected areas.
• Change Mapping in Social Impact Assessment shows community-based RE project impacts.
• Long-term renewable energy adoption involves co-evolving hardware, software, orgware.
• Successful adoption relies on communal mechanisms to sustain renewable energy systems.
Smart cities as spatial manifestations of 21st century capitalismAraz Taeihagh
Globally, smart cities attract billions of dollars in investment annually, with related market opportunities forecast to grow year-on-year. The enormous resources poured into their development consist of financial capital, but also natural, human and social resources converted into infrastructure and real estate. The latter act as physical capital storage and sites for the creation of digital products and services expected to generate the highest value added. Smart cities serve as temporary spatial fixes until new and better investments opportunities emerge. Drawing from a comprehensive range of publications on capitalism, this article analyzes smart city developments as typifier of 21st century capital accumulation where the financialization of various capitals is the overarching driver and ecological overshoot and socio-economic undershoot are the main negative consequences. It closely examines six spatial manifestations of the smart city – science parks and smart campuses; innovation districts; smart neighborhoods; city-wide and city-regional smart initiatives; urban platforms; and alternative smart city spaces – as receptacles for the conversion of various capitals. It also considers the influence of different national regimes and institutional contexts on smart city developments. This is used, in the final part, to open a discussion about opportunities to temper the excesses of 21st century capitalism.
Highlights
• Recent academic literature on modern capitalism and smart city development are brought together
• Different interpretations and denominations of 21th century capitalism are mapped and synthesized into an overview box
• Six spatial manifestations of the smart city are identified and thoroughly described, with their major institutions, actors and resources
• Five different types of capital (natural, human, social, physical and financial) are mapped, along with an analysis of how further financialization affects conversion processes between them
• Options to mitigate exclusionary tendencies of capitalism in the digital age are explored, based on the varieties of capitalism literature
Digital Ethics for Biometric Applications in a Smart CityAraz Taeihagh
From border control using fingerprints to law enforcement with video surveillance to self-activating devices via voice identification, biometric data is used in many applications in the contemporary context of a Smart City. Biometric data consists of human characteristics that can identify one person from others. Given the advent of big data and the ability to collect large amounts of data about people, data sources ranging from fingerprints to typing patterns can build an identifying profile of a person. In this article, we examine different types of biometric data used in a smart city based on a framework that differentiates between profile initialization and identification processes. Then, we discuss digital ethics within the usage of biometric data along the lines of data permissibility and renewability. Finally, we provide suggestions for improving biometric data collection and processing in the modern smart city.
A realist synthesis to develop an explanatory model of how policy instruments...Araz Taeihagh
Abstract
Background
Child and maternal health, a key marker of overall health system performance, is a policy priority area by the World Health Organization and the United Nations, including the Sustainable Development Goals. Previous realist work has linked child and maternal health outcomes to globalization, political tradition, and the welfare state. It is important to explore the role of other key policy-related factors. This paper presents a realist synthesis, categorising policy instruments according to the established NATO model, to develop an explanatory model of how policy instruments impact child and maternal health outcomes.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies assessing the relationships between policy instruments and child and maternal health outcomes. Data were analysed using a realist framework. The first stage of the realist analysis process was to generate micro-theoretical initial programme theories for use in the theory adjudication process. Proposed theories were then adjudicated iteratively to produce a set of final programme theories.
Findings
From a total of 43,415 unique records, 632 records proceeded to full-text screening and 138 papers were included in the review. Evidence from 132 studies was available to address this research question. Studies were published from 1995 to 2021; 76% assessed a single country, and 81% analysed data at the ecological level. Eighty-eight initial candidate programme theories were generated. Following theory adjudication, five final programme theories were supported. According to the NATO model, these were related to treasure, organisation, authority-treasure, and treasure-organisation instrument types.
Conclusions
This paper presents a realist synthesis to develop an explanatory model of how policy instruments impact child and maternal health outcomes from a large, systematically identified international body of evidence. Five final programme theories were supported, showing how policy instruments play an important yet context-dependent role in influencing child and maternal health outcomes.
Addressing Policy Challenges of Disruptive TechnologiesAraz Taeihagh
This special issue examines the policy challenges and government responses to disruptive technologies. It explores the risks, benefits, and trade-offs of deploying disruptive technologies, and examines the efficacy of traditional governance approaches and the need for new regulatory and governance frameworks. Key themes include the need for government stewardship, taking adaptive and proactive approaches, developing comprehensive policies accounting for technical, social, economic, and political dimensions, conducting interdisciplinary research, and addressing data management and privacy challenges. The findings enhance understanding of how governments can navigate the complexities of disruptive technologies and develop policies to maximize benefits and mitigate risks.
A scoping review of the impacts of COVID-19 physical distancing measures on v...Araz Taeihagh
Most governments have enacted physical or social distancing measures to control COVID-19 transmission. Yet little is known about the socio-economic trade-offs of these measures, especially for vulnerable populations, who are exposed to increased risks and are susceptible to adverse health outcomes. To examine the impacts of physical distancing measures on the most vulnerable in society, this scoping review screened 39,816 records and synthesised results from 265 studies worldwide documenting the negative impacts of physical distancing on older people, children/students, low-income populations, migrant workers, people in prison, people with disabilities, sex workers, victims of domestic violence, refugees, ethnic minorities, and people from sexual and gender minorities. We show that prolonged loneliness, mental distress, unemployment, income loss, food insecurity, widened inequality and disruption of access to social support and health services were unintended consequences of physical distancing that impacted these vulnerable groups and highlight that physical distancing measures exacerbated the vulnerabilities of different vulnerable populations.
Call for papers - ICPP6 T13P05 - PLATFORM GOVERNANCE IN TURBULENT TIMES.docxAraz Taeihagh
CALL FOR PAPERS
T13P05 - PLATFORM GOVERNANCE IN TURBULENT TIMES
https://www.ippapublicpolicy.org/conference/icpp6-toronto-2023/panel-list/17/panel/platform-governance-in-turbulent-times/1428
Abstract submission deadline: 31 January 2023
GENERAL OBJECTIVES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE
Platforms significantly increase the ease of interactions and transactions in our societies. Crowdsourcing and sharing economy platforms, for instance, enable interactions between various groups ranging from casual exchanges among friends and colleagues to the provision of goods, services, and employment opportunities (Taeihagh 2017a). Platforms can also facilitate civic engagements and allow public agencies to derive insights from a critical mass of citizens (Prpić et al. 2015; Taeihagh 2017b). More recently, governments have experimented with blockchain-enabled platforms in areas such as e-voting, digital identity and storing public records (Kshetri and Voas, 2018; Taş & Tanrıöver, 2020; Sullivan and Burger, 2019; Das et al., 2022).
How platforms are implemented and managed can introduce various risks. Platforms can diminish accountability, reduce individual job security, widen the digital divide and inequality, undermine privacy, and be manipulated (Taeihagh 2017a; Loukis et al. 2017; Hautamäki & Oksanen 2018; Ng and Taeihagh 2021). Data collected by platforms, how platforms conduct themselves, and the level of oversight they provide on the activities conducted within them by users, service providers, producers, employers, and advertisers have significant consequences ranging from privacy and ethical concerns to affecting outcomes of elections. Fake news on social media platforms has become a contentious public issue as social media platforms offer third parties various digital tools and strategies that allow them to spread disinformation to achieve self-serving economic and political interests and distort and polarise public opinion (Ng and Taeihagh 2021). The risks and threats of AI-curated and generated content, such as a Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT-3) (Brown et al., 2020) and generative adversarial networks (GANs) are also on the rise (Goodfellow et al., 2014) while there are new emerging risks due to the adoption of blockchain technology such as security vulnerabilities, privacy concerns (Trump et al. 2018; Mattila & Seppälä 2018; Das et al. 2022).
The adoption of platforms was further accelerated by COVID-19, highlighting their governance challenges.
Call for papers - ICPP6 T13P03 - GOVERNANCE AND POLICY DESIGN LESSONS FOR TRU...Araz Taeihagh
CALL FOR PAPERS
T13P03 - GOVERNANCE AND POLICY DESIGN LESSONS FOR TRUST BUILDING AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF AI, AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS AND ROBOTICS
https://www.ippapublicpolicy.org/conference/icpp6-toronto-2023/panel-list/17/panel/governance-and-policy-design-lessons-for-trust-building-and-responsible-use-of-ai-autonomous-systems-and-robotics/1390
Abstract submission deadline: 31 January 2023
GENERAL OBJECTIVES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE
Artificial intelligence (AI), Autonomous Systems (AS) and Robotics are key features of the fourth industrial revolution, and their applications are supposed to add $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and improve the efficiency and quality of public service delivery (Miller & Sterling, 2019). A McKinsey global survey found that over half of the organisations surveyed use AI in at least one function (McKinsey, 2020). The societal benefits of AI, AS, and Robotics have been widely acknowledged (Buchanan 2005; Taeihagh & Lim 2019; Ramchurn et al. 2012), and the acceleration of their deployment is a disruptive change impacting jobs, the economic and military power of countries, and wealth concentration in the hands of corporations (Pettigrew et al., 2018; Perry & Uuk, 2019).
However, the rapid adoption of these technologies threatens to outpace the regulatory responses of governments around the world, which must grapple with the increasing magnitude and speed of these transformations (Taeihagh 2021). Furthermore, concerns about these systems' deployment risks and unintended consequences are significant for citizens and policymakers. Potential risks include malfunctioning, malicious attacks, and objective mismatch due to software or hardware failures (Page et al., 2018; Lim and Taeihagh, 2019; Tan et al., 2022). There are also safety, liability, privacy, cybersecurity, and industry risks that are difficult to address (Taeihagh & Lim, 2019) and The opacity in AI operations has also manifested in potential bias against certain groups of individuals that lead to unfair outcomes (Lim and Taeihagh 2019; Chesterman, 2021).
These risks require appropriate governance mechanisms to be mitigated, and traditional policy instruments may be ineffective due to insufficient information on industry developments, technological and regulatory uncertainties, coordination challenges between multiple regulatory bodies and the opacity of the underlying technology (Scherer 2016; Guihot et al. 2017; Taeihagh et al. 2021), which necessitate the use of more nuanced approaches to govern these systems. Subsequently, the demand for the governance of these systems has been increasing (Danks & London, 2017; Taeihagh, 2021).
Call for papers - ICPP6 T07P01 - EXPLORING TECHNOLOGIES FOR POLICY ADVICE.docxAraz Taeihagh
CALL FOR PAPERS
T07P01 - EXPLORING TECHNOLOGIES FOR POLICY ADVICE
https://www.ippapublicpolicy.org/conference/icpp6-toronto-2023/panel-list/17/panel/exploring-technologies-for-policy-advice/1295
Abstract submission deadline: 31 January 2023
GENERAL OBJECTIVES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE
Knowledge and expertise are key components of policy-making and policy design, and many institutions and processes exist – universities, professional policy analysts, think tanks, policy labs, etc. – to generate and mobilize knowledge for effective policies and policy-making. Despite many years of research, however. many critical ssues remain unexplored, including the nature of knowledge and non-knowledge, how policy advice is organized into advisory systems or regimes, and when and how specific types of knowledge or evidence are transmitted and influence policy development and implementation. These long-standing issues have been joined recently by use of Artificial Intelligence and Big data, and other kinds of technological developments – such as crowdsourcing through open collaboration platforms, virtual labour markets, and tournaments – which hold out the promise of automating, enhancing. or expanding policy advisory activities in government. This panel seeks to explore all aspects of the application of current and future technologies to policy advice, including case studies of its deployment as well as theoretical and conceptual studies dealing with moral, epistemological and other issues surrounding its use.
What factors drive policy transfer in smart city developmentAraz Taeihagh
Abstract
Smart city initiatives are viewed as an input to existing urban systems to solve various problems faced by modern cities. Making cities smarter implies not only technological innovation and deployment, but also having smart people and effective policies. Cities can acquire knowledge and incorporate governance lessons from other jurisdictions to develop smart city initiatives that are unique to the local contexts. We conducted two rounds of surveys involving 23 experts on an e-Delphi platform to consolidate their opinion on factors that facilitate policy transfer among smart cities. Findings show a consensus on the importance of six factors: having a policy entrepreneur; financial instruments; cities’ enthusiasm for policy learning; capacity building; explicit regulatory mechanisms; and policy adaptation to local contexts. Correspondingly, three policy recommendations were drawn. Formalizing collaborative mechanisms and joint partnerships between cities, setting up regional or international networks of smart cities, and establishing smart city repositories to collect useful case studies for urban planning and governance lessons will accelerate policy transfer for smart city development. This study sheds light on effective ways policymakers can foster policy learning and transfer, especially when a jurisdiction's capacity is insufficient to deal with the uncertainties and challenges ahead.
Perspective on research–policy interface as a partnership: The study of best ...Araz Taeihagh
This article serves as a blueprint and proof-of-concept of Singapore’s Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programmes in establishing effective collaborations with governmental partners. CREATE is a research consortium between Singapore’s public universities and international research institutions. The effective partnership of CREATE partners with government stakeholders is part of its mission to help government agencies solve complex issues in areas that reflect Singapore’s national interest. Projects are developed in consultation with stakeholders, and challenges are addressed on a scale that enables significant impact and provides solutions for Singapore and internationally. The article discusses the lessons learnt, highlighting that while research–policy partnerships are widespread, they are seldom documented. Moreover, effective communication proved to be a foundation for an effective partnership where policy and research partners were more likely to provide formal and informal feedback. Engaging policy partners early in the research co-development process was beneficial in establishing effective partnerships.
Whither policy innovation? Mapping conceptual engagement with public policy i...Araz Taeihagh
Abstract
A transition to sustainable energy will require not only technological diffusion and behavioral change, but also policy innovation. While research on energy transitions has generated an extensive literature, the extent to which it has used the policy innovation perspective – entailing policy entrepreneurship or invention, policy diffusion, and policy success – remains unclear. This study analyzes over 8000 publications on energy transitions through a bibliometric review and computational text analysis to create an overview of the scholarship, map conceptual engagement with public policy, and identify the use of the policy innovation lens in the literature. We find that: (i) though the importance of public policy is frequently highlighted in the research, the public policy itself is analyzed only occasionally; (ii) studies focusing on public policy have primarily engaged with the concepts of policy mixes, policy change, and policy process; and (iii) the notions of policy entrepreneurship or invention, policy diffusion, and policy success are hardly employed to understand the sources, speed, spread, or successes of energy transitions. We conclude that the value of the policy innovation lens for energy transitions research remains untapped and propose avenues for scholars to harness this potential.
How transboundary learning occurs: Case Study of the ASEAN Smart Cities Netwo...Araz Taeihagh
While policy study of smart city developments is gaining traction, it falls short of understanding and explaining knowledge transfers across national borders and cities. This article investigates how transboundary learning occurs through the initiation and development of a regional smart cities network: the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). The article conducts an in-depth case study from data collected through key informant interviews and document analysis. Spearheaded by Singapore in 2017, ASCN is seen as a soft power extension for Singapore, a branding tool for ASEAN, and a symbiotic platform between the private sector and governments in the region. Most transboundary knowledge transfers within the ASCN are voluntary transfers of policy ideas. Effective branding, demand for knowledge, availability of alternative funding options, enthusiasm from the private actors, and heightened interest from other major economies are highlighted as facilitators of knowledge transfer. However, the complexity of governance structures, lack of political will and resources, limited policy capacity, and lack of explicit operational and regulatory mechanisms hinder transboundary learning. The article concludes that transboundary learning should go beyond exchanges of ideas and recommends promoting facilitators of knowledge transfer, building local policy capacity, encouraging collaborative policy transfer, and transiting from an information-sharing platform to tool/instrument-based transfer.
The governance of the risks of ridesharing in southeast asiaAraz Taeihagh
Smart and sustainable cities rely on innovative technologies to cater to the needs of their constituents. One such need is for sustainable transport. Ridesharing is one of the ways through which sustainable transport can be deployed in smart cities. Ridesharing entered Southeast Asia in 2013, changing the nature of transportation in the region. As with other disruptive innovations, the introduction of ridesharing comes with risks particularly to employment relations, data privacy, road congestion, and distribution of liability. Regulators across various countries have applied different strategies to govern these risks. We present a case study of five Southeast Asian countries, namely Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and examine how government authorities in these countries have governed the risks of ridesharing. Smart cities can effectively provide the sustainable transport needs of their constituents by taking a consistent and unified regulatory approach with new technologies and cooperating with regulators across different jurisdictions. Stakeholders should also be involved in the regulatory process to increase the acceptance of new technologies for transport. Smart cities can also deploy regulatory sandboxes and take a proactive governance approach to encourage the development of these new technologies and at the same time control their undesirable risks.
How does fakenews spread understanding pathways of disinformation spread thro...Araz Taeihagh
What are the pathways for spreading disinformation on social media platforms? This article addresses this question by collecting, categorising, and situating an extensive body of research on how application programming interfaces (APIs) provided by social media platforms facilitate the spread of disinformation. We first examine the landscape of official social media APIs, then perform quantitative research on the open-source code repositories GitHub and GitLab to understand the usage patterns of these APIs. By inspecting the code repositories, we classify developers' usage of the APIs as official and unofficial, and further develop a four-stage framework characterising pathways for spreading disinformation on social media platforms. We further highlight how the stages in the framework were activated during the 2016 US Presidential Elections, before providing policy recommendations for issues relating to access to APIs, algorithmic content, advertisements, and suggest rapid response to coordinate campaigns, development of collaborative, and participatory approaches as well as government stewardship in the regulation of social media platforms.
What is the point of small housing associations.pptxPaul Smith
Given the small scale of housing associations and their relative high cost per home what is the point of them and how do we justify their continued existance
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
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ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
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This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
2. development over the last five decades, Singapore is not spared from experiencing an
unprecedented pace of population ageing. For example, only 9.1% (1 in 11) of the citizen
population were aged 65 and above in 2005 (PopulationSG, 2019). By 2020, it is estimated
that the citizen population aged 65 and above would reach approximately 16.7% (1 in 6).
Based on a similar projection of the current demographic trends, 25% (1 in 4) of the citizen
population will be aged 65 and above by 2030 (PopulationSG, 2019). Furthermore, the old-
age support ratio1
in Singapore has declined substantially from 13.5 in 1970 to 4.8 in 2018
(Department of Statistics Singapore, 2019). This downward trend is expected to continue,
and it is projected that by 2050, almost half of the resident population will reach at least
65 years of age (Siau, 2019).
The changing demographic structure in Singapore implies that the demand for long-
term care (LTC) services and public spending on LTC would rise exponentially in the
coming decades (Basu, 2017). In the US, LTC services are defined as ‘a variety of services
designed to meet a person’s health or personal care needs during a short or long period of
time’ (National Institute of Aging, 2019). In Singapore, the equivalent is known as
‘intermediate and long-term care’ (ILTC) services that are typically required for persons
who need further care after being discharged from an acute hospital, as well as commu
nity-dwelling older people who are physically frail and need care and support to fulfil
their daily needs (Ministry of Health Singapore, 2019a).
At the supply-side, LTC service providers are facing tremendous challenges to meet
the rising LTC demand from the older populations. Based on a recent study, the LTC
workforce is projected to require approximately a 130% increase in manpower by 2030 to
adequately serve the older population (Lien Foundation, 2018). Nevertheless, the LTC
workforce has not been increasing in direct proportions with the population ageing
trends. Furthermore, the lower remunerations for LTC care workers as compared to
other occupational roles that require similar skill sets, such as those in banking and
logistic industries, pose difficulties for service providers to retain talent within the LTC
workforce (ibid).
The use of social robots and assistive technologies in the context of LTC and nursing care
is already gaining traction in the European countries such as the UK, The Netherlands,
Denmark, Finland (Coco, Kangasniemi, & Rantanen, 2018; Jenkins & Draper, 2015; Klein &
Schlömer., 2018), as well as in countries the Asia and the Pacific region such as Japan (Leroi,
Watanabe, Hird, & Sugihara, 2018; Obayashi, Kodate, & Masuyama, 2018), Australia (Moyle
et al. 2019) and Taiwan (Chou, Wang, & Lin, 2019). The deployment of autonomous systems
in long-term care can accrue productivity benefits and cost-savings by catering to the rising
demand for LTC driven by ageing populations and labour shortages in these countries
amidst (Taeihagh, 2020). While there are clear physical, psychosocial and emotional benefits
associated with the deployment of social robots and autonomous systems to the older people
such as enhancing mobility, facilitating the physical transfer, and providing companionship
(Draper & Sorell, 2017; O’Brolchain, 2019; Sharkey & Sharkey, 2012), scholars have increas
ingly highlighted that AI systems can introduce technological risks and ethical dilemmas
where outcomes conflict with broad societal values (Taeihagh, 2020)., which have been
examined by some studies in the context of LTC (Dickinson, Smith, Carey & Carey, 2020;
1
Old-age support ratio is calculated by dividing the number of resident population aged 20 to 64 over the number of
resident population aged 65 and above (Department of Statistics Singapore, 2019).
2 S. Y. TAN AND A. TAEIHAGH
3. Sharkey & Sharkey, 2012; Tan, Taeihagh, & Tripathi, in press).2
It is thus important to infer
these governance debates to the context of Singapore to examine if similar concerns are
exhibited in the applications of these cutting-edge technological solutions.
This paper poses two research questions: (i) how do actors within the LTC settings in
Singapore perceive the technological risks and ethical issues associated with the adoption,
deployment and development of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC? (ii) what are
the specific strategies employed to manage those issues?
The remainder of this paper is organised as follows: the next section discusses the
various applications of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC, before highlighting
nine different technological risks/ethical issues associated with the deployment of
robotics and autonomous systems in LTC. The methods section describes the inquiry
process, data collection and data analysis. The findings section first describes the land
scape and development of robotics and autonomous systems in Singapore, and its recent
adoption and deployment. It then analyses the perceived risks and ethical issues involved
in the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems applications in LTC. The
discussion section brings forth a vision of human-robots coexistence in embracing the
potential of health technologies and illustrates the policy challenges that need to be
Table 1. Brief explanations of technological risks and ethical issues associated with the applications of
robotics and autonomous systems in LTC.
Technological risks/ethical issues Brief explanations
1. Safety ● Robots and autonomous systems veering away from what they have been
programmed to do as a result of autonomous learning, especially when
deployed in an unstructured environment externally, or when experiencing
mode transition internally.
2. Privacy and data security ● Privacy entails both physical privacy and informational privacy. It relates to the
extent to which surveillance functions of robotics and autonomous systems are
infringing the personal spaces of carers and care recipients. Data security
encompasses detailing the purpose and types of data collected, stipulating the
level of access to the data by different stakeholders, and ascribing ownership of
the data.
3. Liability ● The right allocation of responsibilities and compensation risks in the event of
accidents and harms imposed by robotics, autonomous systems, or smart health
technologies during the caregiving process.
4. Effects to the incumbent
workforce
● The disruptive employment consequences created by the potential replacement
of the existing social care workers by robotics and autonomous systems.
5. Autonomy and independence ● The ability of care recipients to exhibit self-determination and assert preferences
regarding the extent to which robotics and autonomous systems should be
deployed in the caregiving process.
6. Social connectedness and
human interactions
● The possibility of compromising social interactions and human touch, which are
needed to ease loneliness and preserve the well-being of the older people
during the caregiving process, when robotics and autonomous systems are
applied.
7. Objectification and
infantilisation
● Undermining the dignity of the care recipients by subjecting them to the
command and control of robots and through robot behaviours that potentially
infantilise them.
8. Deception and
anthropomorphisation
● Counterfeiting authentic social engagement and mislead care recipients to
falsely believe that robotics solutions deployed to facilitate their care deliv
eries are genuine social companions.
9. Social justice ● Preserving social equity by ensuring that the level of access to and mechanisms
of distribution of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC benefit all segments
of the older population.
Adopted from: Tan et al. (in press).
2
For more details about these technological risks and ethical dilemmas see Table 1.
POLICY AND SOCIETY 3
4. managed and revamped to reap the benefits of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC.
The conclusion section highlights policy implications and suggests future research
directions.
Technological risks and ethical concerns
Emerging technologies, such as robotics, and autonomous systems could pose risks and
unknown and unintended consequences, especially at the early stages of their deployment
(Lim & Taeihagh, 2018; Taeihagh & Lim Hazel, 2019). In the context of LTC, the adoption
and deployment of robotics, autonomous systems is associated with technological risks3
(safety, privacy and data security, liability, effects to the incumbent workforce) and ethical
issues (autonomy and independence, social connectedness and human interactions, objec
tification and infantilisation, deception and anthropomorphisation, social justice) (Tan
et al., in press). Table 1 summarises and explains each of these concepts. These concepts
emerged from a systematic review of literature that addresses technological risks and ethical
issues that intersect with artificial intelligence and LTC in the medical, bioethics and social
sciences journal (Tan et al., in press). We adopted an established definition of technological
risk which is described in the literature as the potential for physical, economic and/or social
harm/loss or other negative consequences stemming from the adoption of a technology
over its lifecycle (Li, Taeihagh, de Jong, & Klinke, 2020; Li, Taeihagh, & De Jong., 2018;
Renn & Benighaus, 2013). In terms of ethical issues, we drew definitions and findings
derived from emerging themes reported in a primary study that examined ethical concerns
for emerging technology use in LTC among various stakeholders in the US (Dorsten, Susan
Sifford, Bharucha, Mecca, & Wactlar, 2009).
Methods
An in-depth single case study examining the adoption, deployment and development of
robotics and autonomous systems in Singapore’s LTC sector was conducted. The case
study method, which is centred on the examination of a contextualised contemporary
phenomenon within its real-life context (Yin, 2018), is often intended to be ‘an intensive
study of a single unit for the purpose of understanding a larger class of similar units’
(Gerring, 2004, p. 342). Following these conceptualisations, this paper develops
a contextualised contemporary case study to generate empirical insights and contribute
to theory development of novel technology adoption. Singapore is one of the top seven
economies in the world that has achieved among the highest performances in innovative
technology adoption (Baller, Dutta, & Lanvin, 2016). It has seen tremendous progress in
the development of robotics and autonomous systems in healthcare in recent years
(Ministry of Health Singapore, 2018). Singapore’s experiences in implementing, which
include adopting and applying these technologies in the health and LTC sectors, would
thus be an illuminating case to glean transferrable policy lessons on the governance of
novel technologies.
3
Technological risks are defined as ‘the potentially negative social, economic, and physical consequences related to
citizens’ concerns in adopting innovative technologies’ (Li et al., 2018, p. 3).
4 S. Y. TAN AND A. TAEIHAGH
5. Both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data collection, conducted
from March to May 2019, involved 25 key informant interviews with various actors
within the healthcare and LTC sectors in Singapore. They are practitioners, policy-
makers, managers of nursing homes and research centres, as well as academics in the
health and LTC sectors. A preliminary list of respondents was compiled based on
information on contacts and professional portfolio in healthcare robotics available online
(i.e. official public servant’s directory and LinkedIn profiles). A purposive sampling
approach was adopted to conduct the first wave of interviews. From there,
a snowballing approach was taken to recruit more respondents through recommenda
tions and referrals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain information
with regard to the policy process of the adoption of robotics and autonomous systems in
LTC, perception of risks and ethical concerns on the deployment of these technologies,
and strategies that have been undertaken to manage the risks and ethical concerns. On
average, each interview lasted for about 45 minutes to an hour; field notes were taken by
the first author during all the interviews. In addition, secondary information were
collected from news articles, governmental departments’ websites, policy documents
and Voluntary Welfare Organisations’ (VWO) reports.
We traced the development of policy process in the adoption, deployment and
development of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC, and identified emerging
themes in our data using explanation building and pattern matching (Yin, 2018). From
here, we use deductive reasoning in the data analysis process, analysing the governance
strategies employed by the core actors to manage various risks and ethical issues
arising from the implementation of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC by
anchoring to the themes in Table 1 which was identified from an earlier review (Tan
et al., in press).
Findings
Case description
Service provisions and referral processes in the LTC system in Singapore
The LTC services in Singapore aim to address various aspects of care management that an
older person needs. Designed for treatment maintenance, rehabilitative and palliative care,
the LTC services in Singapore can be divided into three types: (i) home-based care, (ii)
centre-based or community-based care, and (iii) intermediate and long-term formal
institutional care (Ministry of Health Singapore, 2019a). Home-based care targets either
sporadically to older people who need intensive care monitoring and social support at the
initial stage of care immediately upon hospital discharge, or continuously to older people
who need LTC monitoring and support services to manage chronic diseases or long-term
functional limitations (Ng, 2018). Centre-based or community-based care is usually
extended to older people who need either nursing, rehabilitation, or skills training services
during the day regularly, and the services can be accessed close to where they live (Ministry
of Health Singapore, 2019a). Formal institutional care is delivered by care facilities such as
community hospitals, chronic sick units, nursing homes and inpatient hospices (ibid).
Table 2 provides a summary of different types of LTC services and their nature.
POLICY AND SOCIETY 5
6. In Singapore, LTC planning for an older person typically starts at the point of acute
hospital admission.4
As acute hospitals are established to meet the needs of patients who
require critical and intensive medical care, older people with LTC needs that are rehabi
litative and restorative will be referred to other LTC facilities as soon as their medical
conditions stabilise. Subjected to the various care needs based on their functional status,
family support structure, the strength of social and community ties, and personal financial
resources, older people who need LTC services will be referred to different care services.
The applications of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC
In the context of LTC, robotics and autonomous systems are deployed to serve various
functional roles to perform different care tasks and deliver different services for older
people (Abdi et al., 2018; Robinson et al., 2014). Companion robots could provide
companionship by engaging in verbal and non-verbal interactions with older people,
rehabilitation robots or manipulator arms can be programmed to detect nerve signals on
the arms and limbs of an older person and help to automatically move their muscles,
while mobile servant robots and wheelchair/mobility robots could assist older people
with various activities of daily living (Tan et al., in press). Beyond companionship,
rehabilitative and assistive roles, they can also be utilised as effective surveillance tools
to monitor the health and living conditions of older people. Wearable devices, motion
sensors and tele-monitoring robots are examples of autonomous systems that could
monitor older people for medication compliance, reminding them of their medical
appointments and routine activities, and checking for vital signs to prevent the onset
of acute coronary diseases (Tan et al., in press).
Table 2. Types of LTC services and their nature.
Nature of services
Types of LTC services Transitional Continual
Home-based (Medical) ● Nursing procedures
● House-call by doctors
● Home-based restorative rehabilitation
● Rostered stay-in nurse
● Medication delivery
● Telehealth support
● Home-based medical care
● Medication delivery
● Home-based nursing care
● Home-based maintenance rehabilitation
Home-based
(Social)
● Counselling and psycho-emotional support ● Befriending services
● Meals delivery
Community-based ● Day rehabilitation services
● Halfway houses
● Day care centres
● Dementia day care centres
● Day hospices
● Day psychiatric care centres
● Physically-disabled
Institutional-based ● Community hospitals ● Nursing homes
● Chronic sick units
● Inpatient hospices
● Sheltered homes
● Destitute services
Data source: Authors, the information is compiled from a series of key informant interviews and the Ministry of Health
Singapore website.
4
Acute hospitals in Singapore can be either restructured hospitals (hospitals that receive subsidies and subventions from
the government but are privately operated and managed) or private hospitals. Patients who require intensive medical
care are admitted either directly from Accident and Emergency (A&E) Units of these hospitals, or through referrals from
general practitioners at the primary health level (Ministry of Health Singapore, 2019b).
6 S. Y. TAN AND A. TAEIHAGH
7. The adoption, deployment and development of robotics and autonomous systems in
LTC in Singapore (2014-2022)
Two national-level initiatives were launched by the Ministry of Health (MOH) since 2014
to bolster the agenda to deploy robotics and autonomous systems in the health and LTC
sectors in Singapore. In 2014, the National Health Innovation Centre was established to
support the development of innovative healthcare technologies to improve health ser
vices delivery. It also provides translational funding to publicly-funded clinical research
centres in Singapore to turn health innovations into market-ready products (Ministry of
Health Singapore, 2018). In July 2015, the Centre for Healthcare Assistive and Robotics
Technology (CHARTS) was officially launched. The overarching aims of CHARTS are to
develop virtual hospitals,5
transform aged care, optimise rehabilitation and automation
processes as well as enhance medical training through the applications of assistive and
robotics technologies in healthcare. Two labs (design lab and living lab) were set up to
facilitate cross-industrial and cross-sectoral collaborations between healthcare profes
sionals, academia, industries, and research institutions (Cheok, 2015). Over and above,
a fiscal injection of S$450 million was made to scale up the National Robotics
Programme, which was announced in 2015 to support the development of robotics
and autonomous systems in several key sectors in Singapore, including the health and
LTC sectors (Sengupta, 2016).
Following the roll-out of high-profile national-level agendas which were backed with
strong fiscal commitment, adoptions and implementations of robotics and health tech
nologies started to flourish in various LTC settings. In centre-based LTC setting,
a robotic exercise coach equipped with sensors that could react to the movement of
older people has been deployed in a senior’s day care centre in Singapore since 2015
(Driscoll, 2015). This robotic exercise coach was deployed as the first robo-canine in
Singapore to lead exercise routines for senior citizens attending the day care centre. On
the other hand, A*STAR has also developed robotic pets that aim to mimic pet therapy to
improve the well-being of older people (ibid).
In formal institutional care, the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems to
facilitate the care and logistic processes of health and nursing care institutions is also
gaining momentum. Since 2015, rehabilitation robots and exoskeletons have been intro
duced in a local community hospital and adopted in the physical therapy processes to
assist post-stroke patients to regain control of their shoulders and limbs as well as to
restore their functional capabilities (Zaccheus, 2016).
In 2016, the Housing Development Board (HDB) and MOH rolled out pilot projects
that installed elderly monitoring systems in HDB flats occupied by lone older residents.
These systems aimed to monitor the activity levels of seniors and to alert caregivers
whenever there were extended periods of inactivity noticed (Yong, Rachel, 2016). In early
2018, a pilot project was rolled out to test the potential of motion sensors to monitor the
safety of older people as part of an ongoing project known as ‘SHINESenior’. Motion
sensors were installed at the main door, bedroom, bathroom and living room to track the
movement and activities of older persons. For instance, should there be no activity
5
Virtual hospitals are used to monitor the medical conditions and physical functioning of older people at home after they
are discharged from the health and LTC facilities. Medical consultations and care monitoring are conducted by
a multidisciplinary healthcare teams that comprise doctors, nurses, therapists and dietitians, through technologies
such as video-conferencing (Basu, 2019).
POLICY AND SOCIETY 7
8. tracked at the doorstep for more than 24 hours, an alert will be sent to operators at the
care line (Choo, 2018).
Within the same year, ‘Smart Health Video Consultation’ and ‘Smart Health
TeleRehab’ were launched as part of the Integrated Health Information Systems initia
tives by MOH. These initiatives adopted the use of health technologies developed by
German technology company TUV SUD to deploy robotics and smart health solutions
that enable rehabilitation and video consultations between patients and their doctors to
be conducted in the comfort of one’s home. These technologies also enable doctors to
monitor the patients from home by installing smart cameras to track their medical
compliance in real-time (Tan, 2017).
In 2018, the first Robotics Middleware Framework (RMF) for healthcare was launched
in Singapore. The RMF for healthcare, which is one of the most comprehensive frame
works in the world (Sharon, 2018), is a technology adoption and integration framework
that allows various technology systems within and outside of healthcare to communicate
in order to reduce the complexities in the integration of various information systems and
equipment. Besides, it is also intended to be a guideline for various government and non-
government entities to co-create solutions to facilitate the development of smart health
systems in Singapore (Sharon, 2018). Comprising four domains (machine domain,
control domain, central domain, and integration domain),6
the RMF can aid the devel
opment of robotic agents, smart logistics, smart wards and smart homes to improve
healthcare operation and patient care delivery (National Health Innovation Centre
Singapore, 2018).
Over a five-year period from 2014 to 2019, organisational level initiatives, self-initiated
professional groups, robotics pilots started by various service providers and government-
led initiatives have been increasing. During this period, transformation offices, medical
technology departments, and innovation centres were established across various inte
grated health clusters across Singapore.7
In early 2019, Asia-Pacific Assistive Robotics
Association (APARA), a self-initiated professional group that aims to promote education
and increase the community digital capacity in understanding, applying and controlling
assistive technologies, was established by several actors from both the healthcare and
private spheres (Respondents 6 and 7). In April 2019, two Automated Guided Vehicles
(AGVs) were officially implemented in The Salvation Army’s Peace Haven Nursing
Home after a one-year trial. These AGVs are equipped with built-in sensors and 3D
cameras to navigate the entire three-storey nursing home safely by detecting their
programme routes through magnetic strips installed in the entire building. Besides
enabling care workers to spend more time with the seniors, the automation of meal
delivery tasks using AGVs culminates in cost-savings of up to 12,000 USD per month for
the nursing home (Chiu, 2019).
6
The machine domain is typically an intra-system or part of a single robotic system and provides hardware abstraction
layer such as sensors, actuators, micro-controller layers to support healthcare robotics development. The control
domain is also usually an intra-system or part of a single robotic system that contains some intelligence such as control
algorithms. The central domain is the control, command, and management layer of RMF that serves as an interface
between Healthcare Smart Systems and Smart Nation Middleware (i.e. robot to robot, robot to infra, robot to IOT and
robot to ICT). The integration domain is the software abstraction layer for application integration within the RMF
systems (mobile apps, web apps and ICT systems integration) (National Health Innovation Centre Singapore, 2018).
7
There are currently three integrated health clusters in Singapore that are clustered based on geography (central, eastern,
and western regions). Each integrated health cluster comprises a full range of health facilities, services, capabilities, and
networks ranging from primary care, acute hospital care, community care to LTC (Ministry of Health Singapore, 2017).
8 S. Y. TAN AND A. TAEIHAGH
9. Case analysis
Our case analysis addresses the two research questions posed in the introduction. Firstly,
how do actors within the LTC settings in Singapore perceive the technological risks and
ethical issues associated with the adoption, deployment and development of robotics and
autonomous systems in LTC? Secondly, what are the specific strategies employed to
manage those issues? In doing so, we anchored the analysis on the nine issues of
technological risks and ethical concerns that we have identified in Table 1.
Safety
Most respondents are synonymous in perceiving that safety takes precedence in the
governance of robotics and autonomous systems in health and LTC, as these industries
can afford smaller margins of error relative to other industries that are not dealing with
saving lives on a daily basis (Respondents 1, 2, 4, 11, 14 15 and 17). Unlike more
controlled settings such as construction and manufacturing, there the volume of
human traffic is larger in the healthcare setting, especially in the hospitals (Respondent
11 and 22). Recent studies highlight that various safety risks can arise from technical
issues in autonomous systems and during human-machine interactions that may fail to
interpret or anticipate various human behaviours in unexpected scenarios (Lim &
Taeihagh, 2019). While the deployment of task-oriented logistic robotics and autono
mous systems that enhance operational efficiency is less complicated, the deployment of
robotics and autonomous systems that facilitate patient care will inevitably be subjected
to a higher level of scrutiny (Respondent 11).
Different strategies have been employed to address the safety issues of robotics and
autonomous systems in Singapore. At the micro-setting, usually within a department in
an institution, pilots/experiments and programme evaluations of new robotics and health
technologies that contribute to safety enhancement are conducted. Besides, ongoing
training and staff competency evaluations are also provided to ensure full competence
in the applications of robotics technologies among the staff (Respondents 2, 15 and 17).
Pilots are built with co-development and pre-emptive processes where robot designers,
developers and healthcare practitioners brainstorm various risky operational scenarios
that can pose harm to the older people (Respondents 2 and 14). In CHARTS, prototype
process simulations are conducted in a ‘mock ward’ to test all robotics and assistive
technologies to ensure that the applications are well-targeted and well-suited to address
the unique care needs of each care institution. Healthcare professionals such as doctors,
nurses and therapists are mobilised to take part in various real-time simulations through
role-plays to experience the implementation of robotics and novel health technologies
first-hand as either healthcare providers or patients (Respondent 14). At the organisa
tional level, stringent procurement procedures that entail open tender, dry-run, test-bed,
call-for-evaluation and at times, customisation of technology, are adopted. For instance,
all procurement decisions will be subjected to different degrees of panel reviews in the
hospital based on the quantum of purchases (Respondent 11). At the macro-institutional
level, Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is the central authority that regulates the deploy
ment of new health devices through safety validation and licensing after evidence of their
reliability, robustness and effectiveness are proven (Respondents 4 and 11) At this point,
HSA has not issued specific regulatory guidelines pertaining to the regulation of risks on
POLICY AND SOCIETY 9
10. robotics and autonomous systems in health and LTC, but it has devised a general risk
classification system for medical devices that categorises all medical devices into four
classes (A – low risk; B – low-moderate risk; C – high-moderate risk; D – high risk)
through a rule-based system (Health Sciences Authority (HSA), 2018).
Privacy and data security
The intrusion of personal space exhibited through authoritarian monitoring and
surveillance styles, and exposure of confidential and sensitive personal health data to
third parties, are some examples of physical and information privacy concerns that
have been raised in the literature (Dickinson et al., 2020; Ienca, Wangmo, Jotterand,
Kressig, & Elger, 2018; Sharkey & Sharkey, 2012; Ulnicane et al., 2020). In addition, the
breach of data security through tampering and manipulation of health data via
unauthorised access to the health information system is also raised as data security
issues (Respondents 6, 12 and 19). Despite the existence of privacy and data security
concerns, it was surmised that older peoples’ attitudes towards privacy and data
security in LTC are more lax, and could be more easily influenced (Respondents 12,
13 and 20). Older people may not perceive that granting a certain level of real-time
access to their daily living activities at home through the installation of video cameras
to their immediate family members as an intrusion to their physical privacy
(Respondent 12). Besides, the extent to which the older people are concerned about
health data privacy violation and whether individuals should own their personal health
data remains unclear (Respondent 13).
As the issue of health data breaches has stirred debates and heightened national
attention, various strategies have been put in place to enhance privacy and data security
in the health and LTC settings. At the organisational level, policies, and guidelines to
promote greater awareness in data privacy protection among the employees have been
enforced. These include separating internet access from work computers, using
encrypted thumb-drives for data transfer at the workplace, mandating stronger pass
words for system log-in, and performing regular audits to monitor employees’ compli
ance towards data security. Besides, different health information systems have also been
designed to detect unauthorised access by unknown parties (Respondents 2, 5, 9, 13). At
the technical front, the use of infrared imaging to block the facial images of the patients
when robotics are deployed to capture patients’ behaviours in the wards during the pilot
phase of a robotics intervention programme is an example of a technology-driven
measure that a local health provider is adopting to protect patients’ privacy and to
avoid identity recognisability (Respondent 24). Besides, privacy-preserving analytics
can be introduced during data processing either at the device level or through the
creation of synthetic data that are operationally identical and functionally equivalent to
the actual data collected without the ability of individual identification (Respondent 23).
For instance, edge analytics that process data at real-time at the device rather than the
central server has been dubbed as a mechanism that could potentially strengthen privacy
and data security (Bui & Jung, 2019).
Some respondents opined that the current Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)
needs to be further enhanced for governing privacy and data security in the LTC setting.
Furthermore, a paradigmatic shift towards individual ownership of health data could be
explored in the future by emulating the practices adopted by the banking and finance
10 S. Y. TAN AND A. TAEIHAGH
11. industries (Respondents 6, 7, 20 and 23). For instance, the authorisation of third-party
access to personal health data using a dual-key safeguard mechanism could be one direct
way that enhances personal health data protection, although the feasibility and accept
ability of this proposal has yet to be explored (Respondents 6 and 7).
Liability
Determining which party is responsible for transgressions in the behaviour of robots or
autonomous systems in health and LTC is tricky, as fault-lines are often difficult to
ascertain, and the unintended consequences are likely to be multi-factorial and context-
dependent (Respondents 5 and 10). This has been highlighted by recent studies as a key
concern of AI in other domains, such as in transport sector as well where liability for
defects or negligence will be distributed among various parties (Leiman, 2020). However,
operators often turned out to be the primary party to be held accountable for any
transgression in robots’ behaviours. This is regardless of whether these transgressions
are due to technical faults, such as robotics malfunctions consequent to manufacturing or
programming anomalies, or shortcomings in the providers’ skills when operating the
robots (Respondent 11).
While the formulation of guidelines to govern liabilities in the implementation of
healthcare robots remains a work in progress, clarity can be enhanced at the design level
through collaborations between robotics scientists and healthcare professionals to opti
mise the programming of robots’ behaviours to minimise harm (Respondents 1 and 2).
Regular staff competency audits and training in using robotic devices should also be
enforced before scaling up deployment (Respondents 2 and 5)
Effects on the incumbent workforce
At its core, the health and LTC sectors are human-centric, and holistic care cannot be
entirely replaced by robotics and autonomous systems. This is especially the case for
managing patients with complex medical issues who require customised care plans that
involve intricate care processes and a fair amount of human judgement, which include
clinical reasoning, professional acumen, and effective communication (Respondents 2, 4,
5, 6, 7, 14 and 15). Despite tremendous progress, robotics technologies still fall short of
achieving the state of artificial general intelligence that could perform the entire range of
cognitive functionalities akin to a human being, which is important in the implementa
tion of precision medicine (Respondents 6, 14, 18 and 19;). Some respondents opined
that the current technology has not been able to miniaturise the human brain that could
process the entire spectrum of visual and sensory functions of a human being
(Respondents 18 and 19). In the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems in
the health and LTC sectors, the concept of Moravec’s paradox – the need for high-level
computational power to perform low-level sensorimotor skills meaningfully (contrary to
the ability to perform high-level cognitive reasoning with only low-level computational
power) – may still hold true (Respondent 23). While they can perform task-oriented roles
that are repetitive and predictable, it would be difficult for ironclad robots to reproduce
the emotional and personal connection offered by human care workers in therapeutic
roles, such as counselling and psychotherapy (Respondents 1 and 3). Similar sentiments
are echoed by stakeholders in Australia’s care industry, as shown by Dickinson et al.,
POLICY AND SOCIETY 11
12. (2020) case study highlighting the difficulties of automating the non-routine nature of
care work and of replacing ‘human contact’.
On the contrary, many saw robotics and autonomous systems to be playing comple
mentary roles to the healthcare workers. When robots and autonomous systems are able
to take over routine jobs, nurses and other care workers can then be freed up from
performing these manual tasks, to spending more time in personalised care by attending
to the emotional needs of the patients, and as a result, becoming more productive
(Respondents 4, 5, 8, 9, 20 and 24). Given Singapore’s ageing population and thus,
heavy reliance on foreign nurses and foreign care workers in the LTC settings
(Respondents 4, 8, 17 and 24), massive displacement of local nursing care staff and
therapists is unlikely and could potentially reduce Singapore’s dependence on foreign
labour in LTC in the future (Respondent 5).
Many respondents foresee a scenario of human-robots coexistence in the delivery of
seamless health services to the older people whereby robots perform manual tasks, while
human healthcare workers can be upskilled to assume supervisory roles and become
more effective communicators in delivering care (Respondents 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 20).
Human care workers can be expected to move up the skill ladder via job redesign or
retraining in the future (Respondents 4 and 5). In the longer term, the deployment of
robotics and autonomous systems in LTC might even create desirable economic oppor
tunities for Singapore by spawning new markets through the development of new
robotics prototypes and create new job opportunities (Respondent 13).
Autonomy and independence
It was unanimously perceived that robotics and autonomous systems should be deployed
to assist older people in LTC without compromising their autonomy and independence
(Respondents 2, 5 and 20). While studies have suggested that giving full autonomy and
independence for the older people to decide on their LTC arrangements could sometimes
be achieved at the expense of compromising their health and personal safety (Bedaf,
Draper, Gelderblom, Sorell, & Luc, 2016; Sharkey & Sharkey, 2012), there were also
concerns pertaining to the possibility of robotics and autonomous systems being pro
grammed to display authoritarian caregiving styles that can restrict older people’s move
ments and compromise their quality of life (Respondent 5). The restriction of personal
autonomy illustrates AI’s ability to generate meaning by governing individuals’ beha
viour and redefining social and political organisations (Gahnberg, 2020). Besides, the
nature and stage of an older person’s illness, their changing care needs, as well as their
illness trajectories ought to be taken into consideration in deciding the extent of
autonomy and independence that should be afforded to a particular patient. For instance,
the care needs for an end-stage terminally ill patient would be starkly different from
another suffering from early-stage chronic diseases, such as stroke or hypertension, and
these heterogeneous scenarios need to be accounted for when programming care robots’
behaviours (ibid). In addition, weaving more granularities into the consent taking
experience from older people and ensuring that they understand the intended purpose
of deploying robotics and autonomous systems for their care services, including being
transparent to the care recipients about the systems recording their lives, is important for
providers and developers to facilitate autonomy of care (Respondent 23).
12 S. Y. TAN AND A. TAEIHAGH
13. Social connectedness
LTC is an industry that espouses values such as encouragement, love, empathy, and
human touch. It is perceived that some of these values can be violated when robotics and
autonomous systems are deployed on a large-scale (Respondents 4, 8, 12, 23, and 25).
Older people may feel disenchanted if most of the human-centred elements of care are
replaced by impersonal robots and machines (Respondents 12 and 23). While robotics
and autonomous systems can be applied to replace manualised and task-oriented func
tions, they cannot be applied entirely to manage complex human emotions (Respondents
4 and 25). Regardless of the level of advancement of robotics and autonomous systems,
human intuitive judgement and human connection are important elements that are
irreplaceable (Respondents 12, 23 and 25). Human beings will always be a preferred
choice in directing the care process as opposed to robots and autonomous systems
(Respondent 23). If robots were to completely replace humans as companions to the
older people, the loss of human touch might perpetuate social isolation and loneliness
rather than alleviating them (Respondent 25). Besides, existential issues such as experi
encing illnesses and anticipating deaths are inevitable for older people that can only be
worked through substantial human involvement which is better than robots in addres
sing these emotional needs in their last stretches of care (Respondent 12).
Nevertheless, it was also counter-argued that human needs may evolve and the older
generations in future may be more receptive towards the idea of working with robotics
and autonomous systems in their LTC arrangements (Respondents 2 and 20). Besides,
human preferences regarding human-machine interaction will evolve too as culture and
values change over time. Furthermore, in some of the LTC care processes that concern
with physical privacy such as bathing and diapers changing, having a robot to perform
these tasks may actually be more dignity-enhancing to older persons experiencing
a gradual decline in their physical functioning, as opposed to having a human care
worker performing these tasks (Respondent 20).
Objectification and infantilisation
Contrary to what the literature has suggested about the possibility of objectification and
infantilisation in the applications of robotic pets to ease loneliness among the older
people (Chou et al., 2019; Ienca, Jotterand, Vică, & Elger, 2016; Moyle et al., 2016;
Sharkey & Sharkey, 2012), these issues were not seen as problematic in the LTC settings
in Singapore (Respondents 2, 5 and 12). Instead, respondents opined that ends are more
important than means, especially if robotics and autonomous systems can stimulate
social engagement and keep older people occupied (Respondent 2, 5, 20 and 24). For
instance, should robotic pets make patients feel energetic and generate similar gestures
and satisfactions as actual pet therapies, they still serve the intended purpose of improv
ing older people’s mood and generating positive emotions (Respondent 5). Some
respondents raised the importance of customising LTC arrangement to different older
people based on their life histories. For instance, consideration of their inclinations
towards robotics pets based on oral histories of their past behaviours should be factored
in when making decisions on robotics applications (Respondents 12 and 20).
POLICY AND SOCIETY 13
14. Deception and anthropomorphisation
The issue of deception and anthropomorphisation in the deployment of robotics and
autonomous systems is contentious and lacks consensus. Some respondents perceived
that it is both dehumanising and culturally irrelevant to expose older people to robotic
pets such as PARO seals or robotic coaches that do not possess human touch; or
deceptive to expose them to companion robots that may create a false sense of realities
(Respondents 8 and 25). Other respondents expressed differing views, believing that if
robotics and autonomous systems serve the end goals of elevating the well-being and
health outcomes of older people without undermining their dignities, the deployment of
robotic pets is justifiable (Respondents 2, 5, 9, 20 and 24). To this end, having appropriate
and adequate levels of communication to ensure that care recipients understand the
intentions of the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems is emphasised
(Respondent 24). For older people with degenerative cognitive conditions such as
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease who have lost their cognitive capacities and unable
to develop meaningful interactions with their social environments, some respondents
opined that the issues of deception and anthropomorphisation might no longer exist
(Respondents 1 and 2). Ultimately, when robotics and autonomous systems are deployed
extensively, older people could become more receptive to the deployment of robotic
coaches and robotic pets (Respondents 3 and 5)
Social justice
Affordability, accessibility, and equity in the distribution of robotics and autonomous
systems in health and LTC settings are central social justice issues that have been raised
(Respondents 1, 2, 8 and 9), echoing the recent discourse in AI policy documents that
emphasise the need for AI to be inclusive and for their benefits to be equitably distributed
among diverse groups in society (Ulnicane et al., 2020). In the LTC sector in Singapore,
widespread adoption of robotics and autonomous systems tend to be hindered by high
production costs (Respondent 1). In the face of scarce medical resources whereby
decisions need to be made on who benefits, bioethics questions regarding the types of
illnesses, the extent of disease severities, disease prognoses, and treatment modalities will
have to be accounted for when making decisions for the beneficiaries or recipients
(Respondent 1). As most of these technologies are not affordable to most older people
due to their exorbitant costs, government interventions in the forms of subsidies or
subventions might be required to ensure their accessibility and fair distribution
(Respondents 8 and 9).
Discussion
In spurring the adoption, deployment and development of robotics and autonomous
systems in LTC, Singapore has adopted a mix of fiscal, informational, and organisational
instruments. Generous government funding, public-private partnerships in the form of
co-development and co-creation of robotics in design and living labs, the roll-out of
various pilots to test robotics solutions in health and LTC, the development of an RMF,
stringent health technology assessment and procurement decisions, are some of the most
prominent instruments adopted by Singapore. The designation of CHARTS as a test-bed
for robotics in healthcare and the establishment of various innovation centres within
14 S. Y. TAN AND A. TAEIHAGH
15. different integrated health clusters demonstrate a regulatory sandbox approach that
fosters experimental spirits and enables flexibility in future regulatory development.
In governing safety, privacy, data security and liability in robotics and autonomous
systems applications in LTC, specific regulations in the forms of hard and soft laws have
not been formulated. While HSA is the highest authority that governs licensure to
medical technology devices based on their safety and liability track records, PDPA is
the overarching legislation that governs privacy. To enhance this legislation, a public
consultation was launched from May to July 2019 to solicit feedback on the proposed
data portability and data innovation provisions which will endow individuals with
greater autonomy and control over their personal data (Personal Data Protection
Commission (PDPC), 2019). Besides, specific ethical issues such as the potential of
robotics in undermining individual autonomy, compromising social connectedness,
exacerbating social injustice, or perpetuating objectification and deception, are still
subjected to debates. Ethical views from the respondents regarding the use of robotic
pets, for instance, strongly reflect utilitarianism or consequentialism that emphasises on
the outcomes and the greater good for the older people. However, it needs to be
acknowledged that these normative views may not reflect the society’s preferences, and
they are likely to differ in different communities with different value predispositions and
preferences. It has also been shown that social and political cultures are likely to play
a significant role in the adoption of robotics in LTC based on factors such as ingrained
historical and traditional values as well as social exposures to robotics. A good example of
this is the Japanese society which conventionally has higher receptivity towards social
robots due to widespread and daily exposures to social robots and the efforts in promot
ing the adoptions of social robots by the Japanese government and industries (Šabanović,
2014). As such, opinion surveys targeting existing or prospective users, current users, and
the general public could be conducted to glean insights on the ethical preferences of
different individuals or groups of individuals in the community, and the results from
these surveys would be useful for informing the ethical design of robots and autonomous
systems in LTC in the long run. Besides opinion surveys, the voices of the communities
can also be recorded via other qualitative methods such as participant observation, key
informant interviews and focus group discussion with the important stakeholders.
Studies have shown that active engagement of prospective elder users in the robotics
prototype design process (Neven, 2010), and incorporating sensory experiences of the
users in health technology development (Oudshoorn, 2020), are important in the process
of dissemination of novel health technologies. Over and above, it would be important to
sustain the engagement with industry players and gauge the sentiments, knowledge and
preferences from other actors such as the developers of these technologies.
Amidst projections on the potential of job displacement by robotics and autonomous
systems (Makridakis, 2017; Smith & Anderson, 2014), our research shows that most of
the actors in the LTC sector in Singapore are cautiously optimistic. The benefits that
robotics and autonomous systems deployment could accrue to advance both operational
efficiency and patient care are expected to outweigh their shortfalls, including the
displacement of jobs at various functional levels. It is largely envisioned that future
collaborations between robots and humans are likely to free up time for human care
workers to render personalised care to the older people and better attend to their
emotional needs rather than performing manual, repetitive tasks. In healthcare,
POLICY AND SOCIETY 15
16. technologists have increasingly advocated for the cultivation of symbiotic relations
between human and robots, whereby human roles can be transformed to display more
empathy and compassion (Lee, 2018).
With a proven track record in accelerating the adoption of novel technologies such as
ride-sharing (Li et al., 2018), autonomous vehicles (Tan & Taeihagh, in press) and
synthetic biology (Trump, 2017), the Singapore government has signalled its commit
ment to bolster its policy capacity for the implementation of robotics and autonomous
systems applications in the healthcare and LTC sectors. Nevertheless, there exist imple
mentation challenges as far as policy capacity is concerned. Politically, ongoing public
communications are needed to create stronger buy-in from the citizens. To avoid back
lash from care providers, it is crucial to deliberate on how meaningful robot-human
collaboration can be achieved, which would require carefully augmenting the speed and
quality of care instead of replacing all human roles at the frontline. In addition, devel
oping the required infrastructure for a smart health system will take time. From the
human resources development perspective, there is room to develop more technical
capacity by investing in structured programmes to train sufficient roboticists locally
that could see through the entire implementation cycle of robotics and autonomous
systems in LTC.
In the long run, there is a need to consider the cost implications of large-scale
deployment of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC. Health technology assess
ment that entails cost-effectiveness studies of large-scale deployment of robotics
technologies in LTC remains nascent, and limited evidence exists to justify their
feasibility. A recent cluster-randomised control trial conducted among 415 nursing
home residents in Australia demonstrated that a plush toy offered marginally greater
value for money than a PARO (robotic pets) in improving social functions, even
though both interventions are generally cost-effective (Mervin et al., 2018). With
perpetually rising healthcare costs, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness evaluations of
these technologies would be pertinent in facilitating procurement decisions at the
organisational level as well as the design of incentive mechanisms at the systemic
level. As the exacerbation of existing social and economic inequalities has emerged
as a key concern in recent AI policy debates, governments play a central role in
ensuring AI’s inclusivity and equity, which has been analysed by Ulnicane et al.
(2020) from the perspective of participatory governance and by Radu (this issue)
who analyses the changing roles of the government vis-a-vis the private sector
through the lens of hybrid governance.
Singapore’s capability in adoption, deployment and development of robotics and
autonomous systems in LTC has been realised in large part by its many unique char
acteristics and its integrated healthcare policies. Its health system comprises three major
integrated health clusters, which create multiple test-beds for robotics pilots to be
conducted. Also, its politics are influenced by a majority parliamentarian rule by one
political party that could shape public agenda effectively, and accelerate implementations
of new technologies faster than countries with vast geographies. In the future, conducting
cross-jurisdictional comparisons with other advanced ageing cities to examine the
regulatory approaches taken in the governance of robotics in LTC will be important to
advance policy learnings and facilitate policy transfers.
16 S. Y. TAN AND A. TAEIHAGH
17. Conclusion
Our research provides insights about the applications of robotics and autonomous systems
in LTC in Singapore. Organisational level strategies have been instituted to address safety,
privacy, data security and liability issues in the meantime. A vast majority of LTC
stakeholders display optimism and envision positive scenarios of human-robot coexistence
in the future. When robots can take over routine and manual care duties, human care
workers can be freed up to provide more personalised care to the care recipients, including
attending to the emotional needs of the care recipients better. The stakeholders’ ethical
views surrounding the deployment of social robots capable of autonomous learning are
divided, largely driven by the opposing views concerning whether the autonomy of the
older people will be compromised and whether objectification and deception will be
exacerbated. Because of this, there is a need for greater public discussion and consensus-
building around the values that care robots should be designed with.
While robotics and autonomous systems are poised to become promising solutions to
the rising demand for and stagnant supply of labour in the LTC sector in Singapore, long-
term solutions to tackle technological risks and ethical concerns in their large-scale
deployment are warranted. Sustained efforts in conducting pilots or experiments to
establish the safety and efficacy of these technologies are imperative. Besides, ongoing
health technology assessments and cost-benefit analyses will need to be conducted to
establish their cost-effectiveness. Above all, governments need to make a deliberate effort
to reach out to and gauge the acceptance of the general public and expectations of the
older populations when these technologies are integrated into LTC.
Three valuable and transferrable policy lessons are derived from Singapore’s experi
ence in adoption, deployment and development of robotics and autonomous systems in
LTC. First, rapid implementation of novel technology can be achieved via government
taking the lead in steering the applications of novel technology (i.e. through the establish
ment of a secretariat or implementation of a task force such as CHARTS), fast-tracking
the adoption and deployment rate of autonomous systems among the LTC institutions
that could address the unique care challenges faced in different care institutions and care
settings. Second, long-term capacity-building is important through multi-party colla
borations among the government, industries, academia and LTC institutions to sustain
implementation. This can be achieved by tapping into the unique expertise of each party.
Lastly, the cost implications of robotics and autonomous systems adoption need to be
accounted for, especially when considering issues pertaining to both cost-effectiveness of
the technologies, as well as equity and justice in the deployment of these technologies.
Acknowledgements
Araz Taeihagh is grateful for the funding support provided by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public
Policy, National University of Singapore and The Humanities & Social Science Research Fund,
National University of Singapore.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
POLICY AND SOCIETY 17
18. Funding
This work was supported by the National University of Singapore.
Notes on contributors
Dr Si Ying Tan graduated with a PhD in Public Policy and is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at
the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. Her research
interests intersect healthcare and technology policy adoption in Asia. Her postdoctoral work
focuses on policy implementation of novel technologies and governance of their ethics and risks
from a multi-stakeholder perspective.
Araz Taeihagh (DPhil, Oxon) is the head of the Policy Systems Group at the Lee Kuan Yew School
of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. He has lived and conducted research on
four continents and since 2007, his research interest has been on the interface of technology and
society. Taeihagh is interested in socio-technical systems and focuses on the unique challenges that
arise from the introduction of new technologies to society (e.g. crowdsourcing, sharing economy,
autonomous vehicles, AI, MOOCs, ridesharing). Taeihagh focuses on: a) how to shape policies to
accommodate new technologies and facilitate sustainable transitions; b) the effects of these new
technologies on the policy process; and c) changing the way we design and analyse policies by
developing innovative practical approaches that can be used to address the growth in the inter
dependence and complexity of socio-technical systems. Araz has more than a decade of experience
working with firms on PMC and Design issues relating to chemical, petroleum and construction
projects and provides technical and policy consultations on environmental, transportation, energy,
and technology related issues.
ORCID
Araz Taeihagh http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4812-4745
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