Work

The evolution of theoretical contributions in digital government research: Insights from GIQ

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Digital government researchers have debated theoretical progress in the domain. With a surge in publications over the past decade, examining its theoretical progress is timely. This reflection article offers a case analysis of theoretical contributions in digital government research through a literature review of 279 articles published in Government Information Quarterly (GIQ), the domain's leading journal, in the period 2000–2024. Our findings reveal: (1) a preponderance of theoretical extensions, often drawing on well-established theories from other domains but lacking a digital government-specific focus, and (2) “unfinished” theories, often aligned with emerging technologies and trends. While our analysis focuses solely on GIQ, it indicates a need for further development and refinement of the domain's theories, and explicit stances of using and further developing “borrowed” theories from other domains.

Source: Government Information Quarterly

DOI: 10.1016/j.giq.2025.102066

Authors: Peter André Busch, Marius Rohde Johannessen, Samuli Pekkola

Institutions: University of Agder, University of South-Eastern Norway, University of Jyväskylä

Language: English

Topic: E-Government and Public Services

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,360

OpenAlex ID: W4413353010

FWCI: 23.1

Cites: 124

Cited by: 6

Related to: 10