Implementing Artificial Intelligence into Public Sector Organizations

About the project

About the Project All our projects, as well as the PhD itself at Nyenrode, are self-funded. Public sector organizations worldwide struggle to move AI initiatives beyond pilot projects. Despite widespread recognition of AI's transformative potential, only 26% of government organizations have achieved meaningful deployment, and just 12% have scaled generative AI solutions. This 'pilot-to-production' gap is not primarily a technical challenge but an organizational one, rooted in the unique demands of public service delivery, including democratic accountability, equitable service provision, and the political costs of failure. This PhD project investigates how public organizations can develop the governance arrangements, operating models, and organizational capabilities required to scale AI successfully. Drawing on theories such as Dynamic Capabilities, Institutional theory, the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, and Organizational Ambidexterity, the research examines why some public sector AI initiatives succeed while others stall. The study employs a mixed-methods design: comparative case studies across Northwestern European public organizations provide an in-depth understanding of scaling trajectories, followed by survey research to test findings across a broader sample. The research contributes to organizational theory by extending capability-based perspectives to the empirically underexplored domain of public sector AI adoption. For practitioners, the project delivers evidence-based guidance for government leaders seeking to translate AI experimentation into lasting organizational transformation and improved public service outcomes. Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Sam Solaimani Duration: 5 years, depending on progress Investment: Year 1 € 4,250, Years 2 & 3 € 9,750 per year, Years 4 & 5 and possible subsequent years € 3,500 per year. Fees are subject to change, no rights can be derived from this information, visit our website listed below for the latest fee information. To apply: This project is only available within our Self-Funded Part-Time PhD program. Application is only possible via our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time) , which also provides further details around the application package, which includes: Application essay form (our fillable application essay form) Title Proposed research question Research background & rationale Methodology Suggested supervisors at Nyenrode Personal motivation Certified copy of your Master's degree or equivalent Copy of corresponding transcript/grade list(s) from your Masters or equivalent Curriculum vitae Reference letter(s) Photo Note: All our projects, as well as the PhD itself at Nyenrode, are self-funded. Contact: For further information, please visit our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time) or contact Nyenrode’s PhD School at phd@nyenrode.nl

Research areas