Title: The impact of digital transformation on governance: evidence from India

Authors: Nidhi Maheshwari; Gopal Mohan; Divya Mishra

Addresses: University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India ' University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India ' University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India

Abstract: This study explores the impact of digital transformation on government operations and good governance, addressing gaps in understanding both its direct and indirect effects. Focusing on India, the research employs structural equation modelling to analyse data from senior managers and public sector employees, examining how digital transformation influences government transformation and governance outcomes. The findings reveal that digital transformation significantly enhances government transformation by improving public service delivery, fostering citizen engagement, and strengthening institutional trust. Moreover, the study underscores that government transformation plays a pivotal role in advancing good governance by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in public sector operations. These insights highlight the importance of implementing digital initiatives that align technological advancements with organisational capabilities and public needs. For policymakers and public sector managers, the research provides evidence-based guidance on leveraging digital transformation to drive governance reforms. By offering empirical insights from India, this study contributes to the broader discourse on digital governance and provides a theoretical framework for understanding the role of technology in modernising public administration.

Keywords: digital transformation; government transformation; good governance; citizen engagement; public service delivery; trust; confidence.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.156037

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2026 Vol.22 No.5, pp.534 - 559

Received: 08 Sep 2024
Accepted: 25 Mar 2025
Published online: 01 Sep 2026 *

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