Enterprise risk management (ERM) model for public service: Trends over a decade (2015-2025)

Abstract

This study explores the development of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) in public sector service delivery between 2015 and 2025 through a bibliometric analysis of academic literature. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented to filter more than a million documents and yield about 81 publications that were studied. The findings reveal a growing shift from compliance-based risk approaches to more strategic, integrated, and data-driven ERM models. The study highlights how ERM is increasingly used to support public value creation, guide investment decisions, and enhance adaptability in response to complex risks such as climate change and public health crises. Furthermore, the integration of ERM into long-term strategic planning and decision-making processes is becoming crucial for public organizations seeking to build resilience in a rapidly changing world. Key trends include the digitalization of ERM tools, the importance of aligning ERM with budgeting and planning processes, and the emerging focus on environmental and ecological risks. The research also emphasizes the need for institutional capacity building, cross-functional collaboration, and digital literacy to support effective ERM adoption. As public sector organizations face an increasingly complex risk landscape, understanding how to apply ERM effectively is vital for improving transparency, accountability, and public trust. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how ERM can serve as a tool for innovation and resilience in modern public governance. By examining the historical trajectory of ERM and identifying future directions, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in advancing risk management practices in the public sector.