From security to digital governance in OECD: evolution and some current considerations since the digital transformation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/sctconf2024.1401Keywords:
Digital transformation, Digital citizenship, Digital Government Index (DGI), OECDAbstract
Introduction: this article examines the role of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in promoting and guiding the digital transformation of public administration in its member countries throughout the 21st century. It does so through a documentary analysis of the OECD's reports, recommendations, and key tools, with a special focus on the Digital Government Index (DGI). This study also aims to examine how OECD policies promote digital transformation in countries with varying levels of socio-economic development.
Method: this research adopts a qualitative methodological approach based on two tools. First, it employs the systematic analysis of OECD literature from a diachronic perspective. To this end, content analysis and case studies of reports published between 1994 and 2024 are used to scrutinize the discourse on digital progress maintained by OECD member countries, emphasizing the importance of developing digital skills, ensuring equitable access to technologies, and encouraging citizen participation in the co-creation of public policies. Second, it analyzes the level of digital development using the Digital Governance Index (DGI) for the years 2019 and 2022, considering the different socioeconomic contexts of member countries, including both official founding members and subsequent members.
Results: the contribution of this article lies in demonstrating the central role of the OECD in promoting digital citizenship through its standards and recommendations, which highlight the importance of digital transformation. Regarding the diachronic analysis, an evolution from a securitarian logic to the paradigm of digital governance is observed. The comparative analysis of the DGI reveals a general trend towards digitization, albeit with significant differences among OECD countries. While Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, as well as Asian countries like Korea, lead in digitization, others, particularly in Latin America and Eastern Europe, show less progress. These findings help identify future opportunities for fostering a more inclusive and efficient digital public administration.
Conclusions: OECD has expanded its focus on digital development, aiming to promote a more holistic approach to digital citizenship. However, the effectiveness of its policies varies depending on the context of each country, particularly in Latin America. An analysis of the OECD's Digital Government Index (DGI) highlights significant progress in the digital transformation of member countries, especially among founding members. Nevertheless, challenges persist in certain regions of Asia and Latin America
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