Citizen involvement in digital transformation: a systematic review and a framework

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the factors influencing the success of digital transformation (DT) and problems/challenges in DT as well as the communication methods used to involve citizens, based on a systematic literature review of research articles about citizen involvement in DT published between January 2010 and May 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

After establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria, a systematic review of relevant studies was conducted. Out of a total of 547 articles, 33 met the paper selection criteria.

Findings

The analysis of the included 33 empirical studies reveals that the factors influencing the success of DT can be described as the opposite side from challenges and problems in DT. These factors and challenges/problems all influence DT and they can be grouped into organisational values, management capabilities, organisational infrastructure, and workforce capabilities. The communication methods for citizen involvement in DT include: (1) communication mediated by human, (2) communication mediated by computers, and (3) mixed communication methods.

Originality/value

The study identified specific factors that influence DT supported by citizen involvement, at a more fine-grained level. The findings concerning communication methods extend related studies for citizen involvement by adding town hall meetings and communication methods mediated by computers. Furthermore, this study links the research findings to develop a framework for citizen involvement in DT, assisting in better selecting communication methods to involve citizens for addressing problem areas in DT.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-04-2022-0237

Citation

Liu, C. and Zowghi, D. (2023), "Citizen involvement in digital transformation: a systematic review and a framework", Online Information Review, Vol. 47 No. 4, pp. 644-660. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-04-2022-0237