Digitalization in local authorities and local governments: Bibliometric analysis

Abstract

This study explores the evolution of research on the digital transformation of local authorities and open governments. We limited ourselves to articles indexed in Scopus, published between 2013 and 2022, specifically dealing with the digitalization of local public services.
After a rigorous filtering process, 85 articles were selected for our analysis, using the Vosviewer software. The significant increase in the number of publications reflects the growing interest of the scientific community in this subject, driven by socio-economic and health challenges that compel local authorities to innovate and improve the efficiency of their services.
By analyzing a large corpus of scientific publications indexed in Scopus, we aim to identify major trends, key players, and challenges encountered in this field.
Thanks to a rigorous methodological approach, including keyword co-occurrence analysis and the evaluation of publication impact, this research offers a comprehensive overview of scientific advancements. The results highlight the main research themes, such as the improvement of public services, citizen participation, data management, and digital governance. They also allow for the identification of the most active players in this field, whether they are researchers, institutions, or countries.
The Sustainability Switzerland Journal has established itself as an essential reference, with numerous publications and recognized scientific impact. The United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Germany are at the forefront of research in this field.
This study contributes to a better understanding of the challenges of digitalization in local authorities and to informing political and administrative decisions. It also opens new research perspectives, particularly on issues of digital governance, digital inclusion, and public policy evaluation.

Keywords: digitalization, digital transition, information system, local authorities, local government. 

JEL Classification: H12

Paper type: Theoretical research