The article, “The role of data visualization literacy in public administration in the era of AI adoption” [1] explores how public employees interpret charts, graphs and other visual representations of data in increasingly AI-mediated environments. Its main message is simple but important: as AI becomes more present in public administration, the ability to understand visual data becomes more important, not less.
This matters because AI is not only changing how information is processed, but also how it is presented. Dashboards, automated visual outputs and data-based interfaces are becoming more common in institutional and professional settings. In these contexts, being able to read and interpret visual information clearly is essential for making informed decisions.
Based on responses from 1,219 public employees in the Valencian regional administration, the study shows that while some visual formats are relatively easy to read, more complex ones can create difficulties, especially when quick interpretation is required.
This is where the article connects closely with the wider mission of AI-SECRETT. The project promotes a human-centred approach to AI, recognising that technological progress must go hand in hand with the development of digital skills, critical thinking and informed decision-making. In this context, understanding AI is not only about learning how to use new tools, but also about being able to read, assess and question the outputs they produce.
The publication also reinforces an important idea for education and training. Preparing people for AI-rich environments should not focus only on technical knowledge or tool adoption. It should also include the interpretative skills needed to navigate visual information with confidence, clarity and judgement.
Overall, the article offers a valuable contribution to current conversations around AI, public administration and digital skills. It also reflects a broader principle at the heart of AI-SECRETT: innovation becomes more meaningful when it strengthens people’s capacity to understand, engage with and make sense of emerging technologies.
You can access the full publication here.
1. Montalvá I, Pérez V, Pavía JM. The role of data visualization literacy in public administration in the era of AI adoption. International Journal of Engineering Business Management. 2026;18. doi:10.1177/18479790261427072
