Quick thoughts on automation as a means to reduce #administrativeburden in public services. Automation using administrative data can make life easier for most, but those with eligibility characteristics not captured in admin data must apply manually. Creates a two-track system.

This paper examines provision of child benefits in Norway, which automate awards to those whose eligibility can be confirmed via administrative data (or what is sometimes called registry data in Europe). Great example of value of descriptive analysis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740624X20303269

Some observations:
*few systems can be fully automated, meaning there will be a need for manual application processes even if a govt wants to go toward automation
*this creates a source of inequality of treatment, even if most people are better off

*policymakers who want to automate more services should design simple programs with few eligibility conditions. Information about whether someone satisfies multiple eligibility requirements is less likely to be included in administrative data, preventing automation.

An example of the above point: US pandemic relief, a simple program where those under a certain $ level get checks. IRS automates based on tax records, so no application forms. (Exception is for those w v low income who don't submit tax returns, and must apply manually).

*Inequality between manual and automated processes can be compounded by correlation between conditions that push ppl into the manual lane and other forms of vulnerability e.g. in the Norwegian case, are those w non-traditional family structures also more likely to be low income?

*the efficiency gains of automation will be limited as long as the state has to maintain both an automated and manual system
*with more automation, fewer street-level bureaucrats, more people observing automated and reviewing processes

*Emergence of two distinct means of processing claims, automated and manual, creates an obligation for the state to track and transparently compare how people fare depending on which system they experience. Not sure that is on anyone's radar.