Digital governance: Research design of a comprehensive research program to analyse ICT driven transformation

Abstract

The paper presents the theoretical foundations and research design of a comprehensive research program initiated at the National University of Public Service for exploring the complex dynamics of digital transformation of governance and government. In alignment with the Danube Region Strategy the initiative is based on two main pillars: a) concepts of territorial and cross-border governance especially exploring the process from whole-of-government to social participation, and b) information management focusing on ICT ecosystems and project management. Based on these two pillars three drivers of digital transformation are defined which are very tightly intertwined in the research design. The first is what we collectively address as e-services including legaltechnical-organizational solutions, citizens´ acceptance and the complex notion of accessibility with trust. The second driver in our model is the appearance of “smartness” in governance both centrally and locally – spanning from knowledge management to smart communities in symbiosis with smart technologies. Finally, the third set of drivers for digital transition is the capability for innovation and change including management and organizations, social impacts of industry 4.0., and a modified Balanced Scorecard system for administration. The paper presents the key research questions in each pillar and maps how institutional collaborations (amongst 7 Hungarian, 3 European and 2 North-American universities) address them methodologically.