Verifying the Perceived Link Between Smart Governance and Smart Digital Environment

Abstract

This research investigated the relationship between smart governance and smart digital environment in the context of cities transitioning from ‘digital city’ to a full-blown smart city. This is based on the premise that not all government’s investments in digital infrastructures and systems translate to citizen’s trust which may in turn put the efforts and resources of cities into waste. The study tapped 385 business owners and representatives in Lipa City, Philippines using random sampling through a survey questionnaire developed using various smart city frameworks and literatures. Results confirmed that there is a significant statistical relationship between smart governance and smart digital environment. This means that a stronger digital environment enables government agencies to deliver services more efficiently and calls for cities transitioning from digital city to smart city to prioritize digital transformation which will eventually serve as a critical foundation to achieving inclusive and responsive governance systems.