Sufficient and Necessary Enablers of Digitalization in Public Institutions

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate various categories of internal and external factors contributing to the digitalization of public Romanian institutions, highlighting the minimum necessary levels that condition the digitalization process. A total of 377 responses obtained from public employees through an electronic questionnaire were analyzed. In the first step of the mixed-methods research design, the proposed relationships were examined using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), while additional insights into the necessary and sufficient internal and external digitalization conditions were obtained using importance-performance analysis and necessary condition analysis. The results indicate that certain external factors, such as the conditions needed for IT specialists or government clouds, and certain internal factors, such as institutions designing an appropriate IT component or assimilating innovative technologies, contribute more prominently to the digitalization processes. Postanalysis feedback from practitioners validated the quantitative results and provided additional practical relevance. Thus, from a practical perspective, the research suggests the need to develop appropriate legislative frameworks and organizational structures that encourage the digitalization of public administration. The study also offers a guide to the public sector, which will amplify the use of digital tools and technologies and further drive digitization within these institutions. From a theoretical perspective, the research fills an underexplored gap regarding public sector digitalization and complements existing international literature.