The Role of Blockchain in Public Administration’s Standardisation and Digitalisation Challenges

The digital transformation of public administration has shifted from document digitisation to comprehensive process re-engineering, with blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as central technologies. This paper examines how blockchain’s core features—immutability, decentralisation, and cryptographic security—interact with AI’s analytical capabilities to address persistent challenges in legislative document management and administrative standardisation. While blockchain ensures data integrity and traceability, its integration with AI enables advanced document classification and the automated execution of administrative procedures through smart contracts. The Italian regulatory framework, notably the Decreto Semplificazioni (Law No. 12/2019) and recent AI-related initiatives, provides partial legal recognition for these technologies, yet significant ambiguities remain concerning governance and liability. Implementation is further hindered by interoperability constraints and institutional resistance. Drawing on case studies such as Estonia’s e-governance model and Italy’s x-Leges system, the paper argues that effective innovation requires a fundamental redesign of administrative processes, embedding blockchain–AI solutions within frameworks that enhance transparency, efficiency, and constitutional safeguards.