Investigation reveals: Romanians widely endorse the notion that AI could combat corruption in government offices
In a recent study conducted between May and June 2025, Romanians have shown a cautious yet optimistic approach towards the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public administration. The study, involving 800 professionally active urban residents aged 18 to 64, reveals that while the majority of Romanians see the potential benefits of AI, they also express significant concerns about its impact on corruption, transparency, bureaucracy, and accountability.
The findings suggest that Romanian society approaches technological innovation with openness but also with ethical caution, understanding that state decisions directly impact their lives. The study, for which further information can be obtained from Irina Marica at our website, reveals that about 27% support using AI in public administration as long as final decisions remain with humans.
Trust in AI is conditional and demands human oversight. Most Romanians are not comfortable with fully autonomous AI decision-making in sensitive areas such as public administration, education, healthcare, justice, and finance. Only about 20% support AI making decisions independently without human intervention, while the majority expect human supervision to ensure fairness and accountability.
There is a strong demand for regulation and ethical frameworks. Around 62% of Romanians believe AI use in sensitive domains should be strictly regulated by law to protect fundamental rights, ensure transparency, and preserve public trust. They want AI systems to operate under clear ethical guidelines and robust legislation, reflecting concerns about digital risks and data privacy.
AI is not rejected as a technology but viewed realistically. Only a small minority (~9.5%) view AI as having an exclusively negative impact. Instead, Romanians emphasize that AI-driven innovation must be balanced with responsibility, transparency, and human oversight to foster accountability and prevent misuse or corruption.
Expectation for AI to reduce bureaucracy and improve governance, but with caution, is shared by 23.6% of participants. While optimism exists about AI’s potential benefits—such as reducing bureaucratic complexity and enhancing administrative efficiency—concerns remain that without proper human control and regulatory frameworks, AI could compromise accountability or exacerbate systemic issues like corruption.
The study also highlights the need for a clear framework for responsibility and oversight in AI integration. Mihai Stănescu, founder of RoCoach and developer of the Organizational Transition Quotient (ORQ), believes AI can bring greater efficiency and transparency to public administration but should not replace the human element. He emphasizes the need for such a framework to ensure accountability and prevent misuse or corruption.
Marian Marcu, Managing Partner at Novel Research, agrees with Mihai Stănescu, stating that Romanians are showing openness towards AI, but expect it to remain under human control and operate within a well-defined framework of values, rules, and accountability. The study findings indicate a mature and considered expectation from Romanian citizens, that innovation must be accompanied by transparency, regulation, and genuine dialogue.
The study also reveals that 44.5% of respondents say that AI integration should be accompanied by structural reforms and control mechanisms. Moreover, 72% of Romanians believe artificial intelligence (AI) could help reduce corruption and increase transparency in public institutions.
However, concerns about risks such as lack of transparency and accountability are shared by 15.2% of participants. These concerns underscore the need for robust regulation and ethical guidelines to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically in public administration.
In conclusion, Romanians view AI in public administration with cautious optimism, demanding human supervision, clear legal regulations, transparency, and ethical standards to ensure AI's application enhances accountability and reduces corruption without compromising individual rights or democratic oversight. The societal attitude reflects a mature approach seeking to integrate AI responsibly rather than reject or blindly embrace it. Furthermore, more than half (64.6%) think the state should actively support professional training related to AI, particularly in strategic sectors, to foster innovation while mitigating risks such as job loss or biased decision-making. Young people especially see AI as a strategic pillar but expect balanced integration involving safeguards.
Technology and artificial intelligence are embraced with cautious optimism by Romanians, as shown in a recent study. The majority of respondents support the use of AI in public administration, but only if it is supported by human oversight and strong regulations to protect fundamental rights, ensure transparency, and preserve public trust. This approach demonstrates a mature understanding of the potential benefits and risks of AI, with an emphasis on balancing innovation with responsibility, transparency, and human oversight to foster accountability and prevent misuse or corruption. Furthermore, a significant number of Romanians believe AI could help reduce corruption and increase transparency in public institutions. However, concerns about risks such as lack of transparency and accountability require robust regulation and ethical guidelines to ensure AI's ethical and responsible application in public administration.
