Artificial Intelligence, Accountability, and Good Governance in Public Administration: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is transforming how public decisions are made, and the question of who oversees these decisions, and how, is becoming increasingly important. This study maps the bibliometric structure and thematic development of research on artificial intelligence, accountability, and good governance in public administration. Using the Web of Science Core Collection, 484 publications (1999–2025) were analysed through performance analysis and science mapping in VOSviewer. The field is young, rapidly growing, and interdisciplinary, concentrated in public administration, law, and information science, and led by the United States, China, and European countries. The literature is organised around transparency, accountability, ethics, and algorithmic decision-making, with recent work moving toward generative AI and algorithmic governance. Citizen-facing mechanisms such as contestation, complaint, redress, and external oversight remain far less visible at the author-keyword level. Future research should connect AI governance more strongly with administrative justice, citizen remedies, and external oversight.