Modeling the Development of Smart Government in Iranian Public Sector Institutions: A Qualitative Study
Keywords:
Smart government, public sector transformation, digital governance, content analysis, Iran, digital transformation, qualitative research, strategic planning, citizen-centric servicesAbstract
This study aims to model the development of smart government in Iranian public sector institutions through the identification of key factors, processes, and strategies that enable effective digital transformation. The research employed a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews with fifteen experts in the field of smart government selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data collection also included the review of strategic documents, governmental reports, and policy papers. Content analysis was conducted to extract themes and concepts, followed by open, axial, and selective coding. The data were categorized into five overarching domains: causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and outcomes. Nvivo software was used to facilitate the systematic organization and coding of qualitative data. The findings revealed eleven major axial codes across the five selective categories. Among the causal conditions, user-centered service design and stakeholder ecosystem development were prominent. Contextual conditions highlighted digital infrastructure readiness and system integration. Intervening conditions included digital skills training and the promotion of an innovation-oriented culture. Strategic actions involved evaluating service sustainability, leveraging big data, and analyzing digital business models. Identified outcomes included improved access to accurate data and enhanced problem response cycles. The study emphasizes the need for alignment between organizational structures, cultural adaptability, technological investment, and policy frameworks to ensure the effective implementation of smart government. The transition toward smart government in Iran requires a comprehensive and integrative approach that considers not only technological advancement but also institutional reform, cultural change, and strategic coordination. A sustainable smart government model must be citizen-centric, transparent, and data-driven, supported by collaborative ecosystems and guided by inclusive governance principles.
References
Alajmi, M., Mohammadian, M., & Talukder, M. (2023). The Determinants of Smart Government Systems Adoption by Public Sector Organizations in Saudi Arabia. Heliyon, 9(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20394
Anthopoulos, L. G., & Reddick, C. G. (2023). Smart City and Smart Government: Synonymous or Complementary? 25th International Conference Companion on World Wide Web,
Chatfield, A. T., & Reddick, C. G. (2019). A Framework for Internet of Things-Enabled Smart Government: A Case of IoT Cybersecurity Policies and Use Cases in U.S. Federal Government. Government Information Quarterly, 36(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2018.09.007
Deandra, R. A., Nurmandi, A., & Fridayani, H. D. (2024). Implementation of Smart Government, Smart Mobility, and Smart Living Policies in Realizing the Quality of Public Services in Yogyakarta City. Jurnal Ilmu Pemerintahan Kajian Ilmu Pemerintahan Dan Politik Daerah, 9(2), 139-152. https://doi.org/10.24905/jip.9.2.2024.139-152
Ghaffari, P., Pourezzat, A. A., Araei, V., & Alvani, S. M. (2023). Designing a Model of Smart Urban Governance Using a Synthesis Approach. Journal of Public Administration, 15(3), 400-438. https://doi.org/10.22059/jipa.2023.358375.3323
Gholami, Z., Shafiei, S., & Barakhas, H. (2024). The Role of E-Government in Employee Performance at the Sports and Youth Administration of Qazvin Province With the Mediating Role of Organizational Transparency. Sports Management Studies. https://smrj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4324.html?lang=en
Guenduez, A., Frischknecht, R., Frowein, S., & Schedler, K. (2024). Government-University Collaboration on Smart City and Smart Government Projects: What Are the Success Factors? Cities, 144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2023.104648
Kankanhalli, A. (2019). IoT and AI for Smart Government: A Research Agenda. Government Information Quarterly, 36(2), 304-309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2019.02.003
Popescu, M. A. M., Barbu, A., Costea-Marcu, I.-C., & Dumitriu, D. (2024). Conceptual Framework for Unified E-Government Web Platform. Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, 18(1), 3503-3514. https://doi.org/10.2478/picbe-2024-0284
Raeisi, N., Jafarinea, S., & Zare, H. (2024). Testing the Model for Enhancing Administrative Transparency in Interaction with E-Government Development Programs in the Social Security Organization. Dynamic Management and Business Analysis, 3(1), 320-334. https://doi.org/10.61838/dmbaj.3.1.18
Rahmadanita, A., Santoso, E. B., & Wasistiono, S. (2019). Implementasi Kebijakan Smart Government Dalam Rangka Mewujudkan Smart City Di Kota Bandung. Jurnal Ilmu Pemerintahan Widya Praja, 44(2), 81-106. https://doi.org/10.33701/jipwp.v44i2.279
Raza, M. A. (2024). Cyber Security and Data Privacy in the Era of E-Governance. Social Science Journal for Advanced Research, 4(1), 5-9. https://doi.org/10.54741/ssjar.4.1.2
Savić, D. (2022). Digital Transformation and the Public Sector: Smart Government for the Future. Taylor & Francis. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368632698_Digital_Transformation_in_the_Public_Sector
Shahzad, K., Tahir, Z., Cheema, U., & Ahmad, M. A. (2024). Barriers Towards Adoption of E-Government Services. Journal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.26710/jbsee.v10i2.2966
Shakouri-Moghadam, M. (2018). On the Configuration of Smart Government for Good Governance. Tehran: Simak. https://nahang.ir/book/721804/
Shan, S., Duan, X., Zhang, Y., Zhang, T., & Hui Li, T. (2021). Research on Collaborative Governance of Smart Government Based on Blockchain Technology: An Evolutionary Approach. Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6634386
Sharifian, D. (2018). Organizational Management in the Age of Information and Knowledge: The Necessity of Achieving Smart Government. Tehran: Aroon. https://arvannashr.ir/product/
Sharifian, D., Bab Al-Hawaeji, F., & Abazari, Z. (2021). Presenting a Model of Digital Identity in Smart Government in Iran's Public Sector with the Mediating Role of Digital Transformation Leadership. Knowledge Studies Quarterly, 14(52), 31-51. http://ensani.ir/fa/article/532522/
Wirtz, B. J., Weyerer, C., & Schichtel, F. (2019). An Integrative Public IoT Framework for Smart Government. Government Information Quarterly, 36(2), 333-345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2018.07.001
Yazdani, A., & Darbani, S. (2022). The Impact of Cloud Technology on Strategic Management and Organizational Flexibility. Journal of Technology in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management, 1(1), 12-20. https://www.journaltesm.com/article_192386.html
Zhang, J., & Mora, L. (2023). Nothing But Symbolic: Chinese New Authoritarianism, Smart Government, and the Challenge of Multi-Level Governance. Government Information Quarterly, 40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2023.101880
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Babak Fathi (Author); Gholamreza Rahimi; Farhad Nejhad Haji Ali Irani (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
