The design space of public policies for digital transformation in South America

Abstract:

Based on the concept of policy design space, this study investigates the causes of effective digital transformation policy in the South American context. To this end, we conducted a qualitative study based on document analysis and interviews with public managers from five countries in the region. The results indicate that, over time, South American countries have evolved in a heterogeneous and inconsistent way in their digital government policies. We conclude that, in addition to technology, intra-governmental political factors and the ability to retain talent within the state apparatus directly impact the effectiveness of the digital transformation policy. These factors are also currently the greatest challenge that South American countries face in advancing digital transformation.

Keywords:
digital government; policy design; digital transformation policy; design space