The Impact of Digital Transformation on the Governance of Public Administration

Abstract

The transformation of public administration through digital technologies has become a central theme in contemporary governance studies. This thesis explores the impact of digital transformation on the governance of public administration by examining the interplay between key variables: digital transformation, governance practices, and institutional performance. It analyzes how digital tools influence the structures, strategies, and coordination mechanisms of public institutions, and how they contribute to accountability, transparency, and adaptability. Using a qualitative methodology that combines descriptive analysis and case study methods, the study draws on the Estonian experience as a model for identifying and understanding the relationships between these variables. Estonia’s integrated digital ecosystem provides a concrete example of how digital transformation can enhance public sector performance and reshape governance frameworks. The findings demonstrate that Estonia’s public administration has undergone deep structural and procedural changes driven by digital technologies. These include the establishment of interoperable digital platforms, automation of administrative procedures, real-time data exchange, and citizen-centered service models. As a result, institutional coordination has improved, service delivery has become more efficient, and governance mechanisms have been redefined to promote transparency, participation, and accountability.