Designing a Strategic Model for Digital Transformation in Public Sector Organizations: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study aims to design an integrated and operational strategic model for digital transformation in public sector organizations based on systematic scientific evidence. This research adopted a systematic review approach following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 150 primary studies were identified from major national and international databases. After screening and methodological quality assessment using CASP and JBI tools, 32 articles published between 2020 and 2025 were selected for final analysis. Extracted qualitative data were coded and analyzed through thematic analysis using MAXQDA software. The findings indicate that successful public sector digital transformation is structured around six core domains: digital leadership and governance, organizational culture and readiness, human resources and digital competencies, strategy and vision, technology and infrastructure, and processes and modeling. Accordingly, a comprehensive strategic model consisting of seven interrelated components was developed: drivers, digital strategic core, hard and soft enablers, implementation process, governance and transparency, evaluation and learning, and strategic outcomes. The model explains coherent causal linkages across the transformation lifecycle. Digital transformation in the public sector represents a holistic organizational transformation that extends beyond technology adoption and requires the strategic integration of leadership, culture, human capital, and data governance. The proposed model provides a practical roadmap for policy formulation, implementation planning, and evaluation of digital transformation initiatives.