Almost three-quarters of Romanians believe that artificial intelligence (AI) could contribute to reducing corruption and increasing transparency in public bodies, and 44.5% of them believe that structural reforms and additional control measures are needed at the same time, according to findings of the latest survey conducted by RoCoach and Novel Research released on Friday.
Almost 27% of respondents say that the use of AI in public administration can help, but decisions must remain human, the study also reveals, agerpres reports.
"As the digitalisation of public administration becomes an increasingly present topic in the public space - from the government cloud and the electronic file, to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public institutions - Romanians show a pragmatic but cautious openness to the integration of these technologies in the administration's decisions. Thus, 72% of Romanians believe that AI could contribute to reducing corruption and increasing transparency in public bodies, 44.5% of whom believe that structural reforms and additional control measures are needed at the same time," according to the survey.
Only 5% of the participants in the study believe that AI will have no impact on the public system.
Fears related to possible negative effects, such as lack of transparency or lack of accountability, are expressed by only 15.2% of Romanians. On the other hand, 23.6% believe that AI can help simplify procedures and cut through red tape.
"AI can be a valuable tool for public administration, with real potential to bring efficiency and transparency, but I don't think it should replace the human factor. People are not only asking for faster digital services, but they also want a clear framework of accountability and oversight. It is a strong signal that the Romanian society looks at technological innovation with openness, but also with ethical prudence - necessary in a context in which the state's decisions affect us directly", according to Mihai Stanescu, founder of RoCoach and developer of the Organisational Transition Quotient (ORQ) indicator.
Romanians do not reject technology, but demand that it be put to the service of the citizen, without completely replacing the human factor. Only 9.5% perceive AI as having an exclusively negative impact, while most Romanians reject the idea that algorithms make decisions without control or accountability.
"Romanians are open to AI and send a clear message of balance and responsibility: technology is welcome, as long as it remains under human control and operates within a clear framework of values, rules and ownership. The reaction expresses a mature and expectation, with Romanians wanting innovation to be accompanied by transparency, regulation and an authentic dialogue with citizens. That becomes an important signal for decision-makers, showing that digital progress gains legitimacy and efficiency only when it is built together with society," according to Marian Marcu, Novel Research managing partner.
At a time when the European Union is moving towards the implementation of the AI Act and redefining the legislation on protection, the survey shows that the Romanian population favours digitalisation - only 9.5% perceive AI in an exclusively negative light - but openness comes with firm requirements: 73% of respondents demand clear human intervention and accountability mechanisms.
Public trust thus becomes the central criterion in the success of the digitization of the administration: efficiency is not enough without transparency, protection of fundamental rights and decision-making, the study also reveals.
Through this initiative, RoCoach and Novel Research aim to open a space for dialogue between decision-makers, the business community and society, around a subject that, in the near future, can generate an unprecedented social impact.
The survey was conducted on a sample of 800 people from urban areas, aged between 18 and 64, professionally active and internet users. The data were collected between May and June 2025, using the CAWI (Computer Assisted WEB Interviews) method.
RoCoach is the first coaching company in Romania and a leader in executive, team and organisational coaching.
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