Governance by technology, governance of technology: The quest for public values, trust, and regulatory compliance

This chapter situates a collection of interdisciplinary perspectives gathered in the edited volume ‘Public Governance and Emerging Technologies: Values, Trust, and Regulatory Compliance’ within the growing literature on public governance and emerging digital technologies. By using topical examples and a sociomaterial approach, it reflects on the observed challenges in the governance of and governance by emerging technologies. Following, the chapter approaches these issues from a regulatory perspective, discussing regulatory compliance and identifying opportunities for future legislative developments. Thereafter, a normative analysis centers public values and trust, drawing on lessons from public governance theory and practice. Overall, the chapter emphasizes the rapid nature of developments in governance by and of technology, and far-reaching social, political and material consequences of these developments. By identifying opportunities and challenges related to emerging digital technologies, it serves to inform practitioners in the field, as well as to identify opportunities for further research. Throughout the chapter, the central role of public values and trust is emphasized as normative ideals that should lead the developments in legislation and public governance.