Digital maturity assessment models in public administration: a systematic review

Abstract

Digital transformation (DT) is accelerating societal change and creating major challenges for public organizations seeking to improve efficiency through digital technologies. However, its measurement remains a conceptual and methodological challenge. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR), conducted under the PRISMA protocol and PICOC strategy, focusing on digital maturity models applied to public administration (PA) between 2020 and 2024. The review covers both scientific databases and institutional gray literature. Five critical aspects were analyzed: included dimensions, internal structural relationships, empirical validation, predictive capacity, and contextual conditions of applicability. Results reveal a recurrent set of dimensions—technology, processes, data, people, and governance—yet with high heterogeneity in levels and approaches. Only a minority of models incorporate causal structures, and fewer than half have been empirically validated. Predictive capacity is almost absent, except for one Bayesian network model. Institutional factors such as digital leadership, budget, and regulatory frameworks strongly influence applicability. Unlike previous reviews, this study integrates a bibliometric analysis and a critical synthesis of enablers and barriers. It concludes that current models are useful for diagnosis but require improvements in structure, validation, and anticipation, providing an updated reference framework for researchers and policymakers in digital governance.