Portraying the Level of Digital Performance and Innovation of the European Public Sector: Contextualising the Relationship Between E-government and Digital Innovation

Abstract

Due to the differences among European Union member states in governance quality, public governance effectiveness, financial resource management, and efforts to improve economic performance and well-being, digital innovation is essential for promoting digital governance. Achieving qualitative e-governance requires increased innovation, along with the effective adoption and implementation of digital technology. The main objective of this study is to analyse the connections between public governance and digital innovation in the European Union (EU). Two research methods were considered to carry out the longitudinal data compiled at the EU-27 member states (EU27) level from 2017 to 2022: bibliometric and Gaussian and mixed-Markov graphical (GGMs) analysis. This methodology allows a comprehensive approach to evaluating the interaction of digital innovation with public governance. Scientific documents from the period 2010-2023 from the Web of Science were analysed to explore the relationship between e-government and digital innovation. The analysis revealed that this subject is relatively new, with the most productive years being the last five years. It also identifies the countries and authors in this field that are most concerned and the most relevant documents. Based on GGMs and correlation analysis, the empirical part focused on digitalisation, innovation, world governance indicators, and economic variables from 2017 to 2022 across EU member states to identify links between these variables. Our findings support our assumption that digitalisation and innovation positively impact e-government services. The results reveal the need for countries to align their digital transformation plans to integrate digital technologies and continuous innovation to improve e-government effectiveness. Successful implementation of e-government relies not only on technology but also on well-planned strategies, adequate resource allocation, ongoing innovation, and governmental dedication to ensure accessible, secure, and user-friendly e-services for all citizens. The findings underscore the necessity for countries to reconfigure and align their digital transformation plans by integrating digital technologies into service delivery while continuously promoting innovation to improve the performance of e-government.