STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SMART CITIES: IMPACTS ON EGOVERNANCE AND CYBERSECURITY

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been identified as a critical technology of Fourth
Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) for protecting computer network systems against
cyber-attacks, malware, phishing, damage, or illicit access. AI has potential in
strengthening the cyber capabilities and safety of nationstates, local governments, and
non-state entities through e-Governance. Existing research provides a mixed
association between AI, e-Governance, and cybersecurity; however, this relationship
is believed to be context-specific. AI, e-Governance, and cybersecurity influence and
are affected by various stakeholders possessing a variety of knowledge and expertise
in respective areas. To fill this context specific gap, this study investigates the direct
relationship between AI, e-Governance, and cybersecurity. Furthermore,
this study examines the mediating role of e-Governance between AI and cybersecurity
and moderating effect of stakeholders involvement on the relationship between AI, e-
Governance, and cybersecurity. The results of PLS-SEM path modeling analysis
revealed a partial mediating impact of e-Governance between
AI and cybersecurity. Likewise, moderating influence of stakeholders involvement was
discovered on the relationship between AI and e-Governance, as well as between e,Governance and cybersecurity. It implies that stakeholders involvement has vital
significance in AI and e-Governance because all stakeholders have interest in
vibrant,transparent, and secured cyberspace while using e-services. This study provides
practical implications for governmental bodies of smart cities for strengthening their
cybersecurity measures.