Transforming Public Governance Through AI: A Multi-Mechanism Framework to Accelerate Sustainable Development Goals, Eyad Shaban, Rafat Al-Batayneh, Hisham Shatnawi, Lana El-Issa
Eyad Abdullah Shaban
Department of Business Administration, Business School
Al-Ahliyya Amman University
Amman
Jordan
ORCID: 0009-0001-0115-9027
Rafat Al-Batayneh
College of Business
University of Buraimi
Oman
ORCID: 0009-0004-3951-1593
Hisham Ali Shatnawi
Faculty of Business
Ajloun National University
Ajloun
Jordan
ORCID: 0009-0004-6898-1519
Lana Yasin Ahmad El-Issa
Computer Science Department, Information Technology Faculty
Zarqa University
Jordan
ORCID: 0009-0005-4519-2274
Type of Paper: Research
Received: 25 November 2025 / Revised: 23 August 2026 / Accepted: 26 August 2026 / Published: 12 September 2026
DOI: 10.47556/J.WJSTSD.21.6.2026.4
Purpose: This research examines how the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be accelerated using artificial intelligence (AI) through smart governance mechanisms and the digital transformation of institutions.
Design/methodology/approach: The study uses an integrative conceptual synthesis approach, which is informed by public administration theory, sustainability science, data governance literature and technology adoption frameworks, complemented by secondary governance indicators for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies for the period 2017–2025. The proposed framework was further explored using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).
Findings: Three key AI-based governance mechanisms were identified: real-time monitoring, anticipatory policymaking and participatory decision-making. The results show that there is a positive relationship between AI governance capability and governance quality, digital participation and SDG performance. Governance effectiveness and sustainability outcomes are significantly enhanced by institutional readiness, ethical oversight of AI, data interoperability and digital integration.
Originality/value: The study is unique in reframing AI as a strategic governance capability, not just a technological solution, within institutional, ethical and participatory governance. It equips policymakers with a structured approach to the responsible integration of AI to drive SDG progress and build governance resilience.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Governance; Sustainable Development Goals; Participatory Decision-Making; Digital Transformation.
Citation: Shaban, E. A., Al-Batayneh, R., Shatnawi, H. A. and El-Issa, L. Y. A. (2026): Transforming Public Governance Through AI: A Multi-Mechanism Framework to Accelerate Sustainable Development Goals. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 527-543.