Beyond Technology Adoption: A Systematic Review of Institutional, Human Capital, and Governance Barriers to Sustainable Digital Transformation in Academic Libraries
2026· International journal of research and innovation in social science· 0 citations
TL;DR
The findings show that the whole sociotechnical context is important in the digital transition, including adaptive leadership, continuous professional development, and more legal and moral oversight to ensure long-term success.
Abstract
This systematic literature review explores the digital transformation (DT) landscape in university libraries between 2016 and 2026. It shows a shift in focus from technology to more important socio-institutional factors. A global review of 31 studies suggests that despite the widespread introduction of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, the successful implementation of these technologies is still hampered by financial constraints, low digital competencies of staff and deficiencies in the institutional policy framework. It was also found that there are significant differences between developed and developing countries. For example, basic infrastructure such as power supplies that are not reliable and broadband access are problems for developing countries. The findings show that the whole sociotechnical context is important in the digital transition, including adaptive leadership, continuous professional development, and more legal and moral oversight to ensure long-term success.
It is argued that Africa’s effective participation in the 4IR depends not only on adopting technology but also on strong governance, sound regulatory frameworks, strategic policy implementation, cross-sector collaboration, targeted investment, and skills development.
Stella Gichuhi-Karau· Proceedings of the 1st Afric...· 0 citations
This study investigates the role of digital transformation (DT) in corporate governance (CG) by analysing 50 articles selected using PRISMA guidelines from the Web of Science (WOS) database. Although the findings are fragmented, most studies suggest that digital technologies can enhance transparency, strengthen internal control functions, and support decision-making processes. However, the literature also highlights emerging tensions, such as ethical risks, legal limitations, and organisational barriers that may compromise the full benefits of digitalisation in CG. The study offers practical implications for board members and managers, highlighting the need for greater digital literacy and ethical awareness. It also provides policy implications, suggesting that effective implementation of DT in CG requires not only new rules but also strengthened institutional capacity, improved regulatory literacy, and clear frameworks to balance technological innovation with accountability. This study highlights the tension between transparency and new forms of digital opacity. Furthermore, the analysis calls for a reconsideration of the boundaries of traditional “agency” relationships, showing how DT may transform traditional monitoring into a system in which human oversight and digital tools coexist and interact.
Cristina Cersosimo, F. Rubino· Reviews of Management Scienc...· 0 citations
It is concluded that effective digital transformation in Sri Lanka necessitates a multi-pronged approach encompassing legal reform, strategic investment in ICT capacity, strengthened institutional cooperation, and the ethical deployment of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
V. Papakaran· Sri Lanka Journal of Develop...· 0 citations
This systematic literature review explores the relationship between digital maturity and economic sustainability, with government support as a moderating factor, and proposes a multi-level conceptual framework and actionable policy recommendations to support inclusive and adaptive SME digitalization.
Bisri Bisri· Dinasti International Journa...· 0 citations
The Indonesian government has invested heavily in digital transformation to address persistent challenges in public service delivery, financial accountability, and bureaucratic efficiency. Despite growing adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and e-government platforms, a systemic synthesis of how these digital tools collectively reshape governance and accountability mechanisms remains lacking. This systematic literature review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A structured search was conducted in the Scopus database for peer-reviewed, open-access, English-language journal articles published between 2016 and 2026, focusing explicitly on the Indonesian public sector. Out of 217 initially screened records, 10 studies met the eligibility criteria after title-abstract and full-text screening. Data were extracted using a standardized form, assessed for risk of bias, and synthesized thematically across the included studies. The synthesis identifies three interconnected mechanisms through which digitalization influences Indonesian public governance. First, digital technologies such as computer-assisted audit techniques, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence enhance financial fraud detection and oversight effectiveness, yet their full potential is constrained by incomplete regulatory frameworks for electronic evidence and insufficient auditor competence. Second, digital service innovations improve operational efficiency and public service quality, but these benefits are contingent upon adequate digital leadership, information technology governance, and a culture supportive of organizational change. Third, institutional reforms driven by integrated information systems strengthen transparency and accountability, while being significantly hindered by governance fragmentation, weak enforcement of interoperability standards, and persistent digital divides across regions. Successful digital transformation of the Indonesian public sector depends less on the mere acquisition of technology and more on synergistic institutional reforms, continuous human capacity building, and legal harmonization. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for policymakers and practitioners to align digital initiatives with the broader objectives of accountable, transparent, and responsive governance in developing economy contexts.
Background: State-owned entities (SOEs) are under increasing pressure to improve their performance and adopt new technologies. The main elements of efficient information technology (IT), governance and overall organisational performance will be elucidated and examined in this study. The methodology is intended to evaluate the strategies, plans and policies needed to improve South Africa’s global competitiveness. It will assess how well these instruments support national development goals, identify any gaps or inefficiencies and provide insights for improving them to promote innovation, sustainable growth and economic resilience.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate current IT governance guidelines and practices by assessing existing IT practices in South African SOE.
Methods: This study used a systematic literature review approach to ensure a thorough and transparent evaluation of the body of available literature. Google Scholar and Sabinet were used to find and obtain a wide variety of pertinent articles. The review approach specifically used predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria to preserve methodological consistency and reduce selection bias. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework, which organised the screening, eligibility evaluation and ultimate selection of papers for analysis, was followed in the development of these criteria.
Results: The results indicate that achieving synergy in digital technologies requires both the clear alignment of IT goals with the organisation’s strategic goals and the efficient use of IT governance. Moreover, in a quickly changing technical context, aligning digital projects with governance principles not only improves accountability and transparency but also encourages creativity and flexibility.
Conclusion: Integrating digital technology with IT governance offers a game-changing opportunity to improve the performance of SOEs. This improves decision-making procedures, operational effectiveness and strategic alignment with national goals by incorporating cutting-edge digital tools into governance frameworks.
Contribution: This study will make a significant contribution to understanding the complexities of IT governance frameworks implementation in South African SOEs.
Avrill Mukhithi· African Journal of Career De...· 0 citations