Digital Transformation, Governance, and Coordination in Times of Crisis: An Analysis of Australia, Denmark, and the Republic of Korea

Abstract

Australia, Denmark, and the Republic of Korea are front-runners in the public sector use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) globally, resulting in a high degree of digitisation of public services production and delivery. While a multitude of factors may account for their successes, what is the role played by their strategic approach to governance and inter-governmental cooperation? How have their approaches to governance and multi-stakeholder cooperation influenced the success of their digital transformation, boosted innovation, and enabled them to rapidly respond to the pandemic crisis? The article's initial findings support past academic observations emphasising that the successful digital transformation of the public sector largely depends on strategic focus, a strong governance model, and a high level of intergovernmental cooperation. The analysis finds strong evidence that their existing governance and intergovernmental cooperation frameworks, in combination with their established service production and delivery ecosystems, have allowed the three countries to move towards real user-centric, integrated service production and delivery prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis also finds evidence of a relatively high level of public sector business continuity for service production and delivery in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on mobility.