Harnessing Emerging Digital Technologies toward a New Frontier of Public Financial Management

BySailendra Pattanayak, Lorena Rivero del Paso, Hervé Tourpe, Chloe Cho

April 13, 2026

Disclaimer: This Technical Guidance Note should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF. The views expressed in this Note are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary

This note offers insights into harnessing emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, decision making, and accountability in public financial management (PFM). Acknowledging the speculative enthusiasm around certain technologies and the diversity of country contexts, traditions, and PFM frameworks, it advocates for a structured, objective-driven approach for adopting emerging technologies, which involves assessing the potential gains and feasibility. The note also outlines key practices for sustainable adoption and for navigating the complexities of digital transformation in PFM. It is accompanied by Technology Cards, which illustrate key technologies and their relevance for PFM, providing a practical resource for policymakers and practitioners.

Subject: Emerging technologies, Technological innovation, Technology

Keywords: artificial intelligence, data exploitation, digital transformation, digitalization, emerging technologies, emerging technology, financial management information systems, Global, GovTech, IMF staff, Open Data, public financial management, Technological innovation, technology adoption, technology S curve

Pages:
46
Volume:
2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229040440.005
Issue:
006
Series:
Technical Notes and Manuals No. 2026/006
Stock No:
TNMEA2026006
ISBN:
9798229040440
ISSN:
2075-8669

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Notes

Supplemental Download: Harnessing Emerging Digital Technologies toward a New Frontier of Public Financial Management: Technology Cards

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