Paper Type

Complete

Paper Number

PACIS2026-1836

Description

Visions and imaginaries on the benefits of AI adoption play a defining role in shaping society, both present and future. By examining communication around AI development within a large government agency, this paper offers insight into hitherto overlooked performative, partial and political dimensions of the public sector’s AI narratives. The study draws on documentation and promotion of outcomes and benefits from AI adoption presented to stakeholders across the Swedish public sector between 2023 and 2025. The analysis by analogy indicates that the communication around AI adoption follows patterns of machinewashing commonly associated with private sector lobbying concerning statutes regulating AI on the grounds of collective good and ethically desirable outcomes. The paper contributes to understanding the public sector’s role in the shaping of digital futures and highlights the implications of selective storytelling for research as well as practice.

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Jul 5th, 12:00 AM

Public Sector Machinewashing: A Double-edged Sword

Visions and imaginaries on the benefits of AI adoption play a defining role in shaping society, both present and future. By examining communication around AI development within a large government agency, this paper offers insight into hitherto overlooked performative, partial and political dimensions of the public sector’s AI narratives. The study draws on documentation and promotion of outcomes and benefits from AI adoption presented to stakeholders across the Swedish public sector between 2023 and 2025. The analysis by analogy indicates that the communication around AI adoption follows patterns of machinewashing commonly associated with private sector lobbying concerning statutes regulating AI on the grounds of collective good and ethically desirable outcomes. The paper contributes to understanding the public sector’s role in the shaping of digital futures and highlights the implications of selective storytelling for research as well as practice.