Bibliometric Analysis of E-government, E-governance, and Digital Transformation: Trends, Challenges, and Prospects

Abstract

This study provides an in-depth bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on e-government, e-governance, and digital transformation, covering the period from 2011 to the first quarter of 2025. By leveraging data from the Web of Science database and analyzing it with VOSviewer (Chen, 2006), we examine the temporal evolution of publications, their thematic and geographical distribution, co-authorship networks, and predominant keywords. The results reveal a significant growth in scientific output, particularly since 2016, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the field with notable contributions from public administration and computer science (Rodríguez Bolívar et al., 2016). Research is globally distributed, with significant contributions from China and India. However, a fragmentation of collaborations among authors is observed, suggesting a need for increased integration. The keyword analysis confirms the centrality of e-government and the growing importance of digital transformation (Ramzy & Ibrahim, 2022). This study offers a structured mapping of the field, identifies emerging trends, and proposes avenues for future research and collaborations, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the dynamics of digital governance. It emphasizes the increased need for multidisciplinary collaboration for the design, development, and management of complex and multidimensional projects in the public sector.