Toward Smart Governance for Smart City Development: A Penta-Helix Collaboration Framework from South Solok Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the strengthening of smart governance through penta-helix collaboration in the development of a smart city in South Solok Regency. A qualitative approach with a case study method was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of multi-actor collaboration dynamics and digital governance processes. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. The findings indicate that penta-helix collaboration has begun to emerge but has not yet been systematically and sustainably institutionalized. The local government remains the dominant actor, while the involvement of academia, the private sector, the community, and the media is still partial. The strengthening of smart governance has progressed through the implementation of SPBE and digital public services; however, challenges persist, including system fragmentation, limited data integration, and administrative rather than strategic inter-agency coordination. Public participation also remains limited to service usage rather than substantive involvement in decision-making processes. These findings imply that smart city development is still at the stage of system and service enhancement and has not yet reached a fully integrated and sustainable transformation. Therefore, strengthening institutional collaboration, improving digital system integration, enhancing cross-sector coordination, and expanding public participation are essential to achieving more effective smart governance.