Digital transformation going local: implementation, impacts and constraints from a German perspective

Abstract

IMPACT: The digital transformation of public administration is expected to fundamentally reshape the institutional setting of local service delivery, administration, and governance in Europe. Against this background, it is a cause for concern and criticism that the actual state of implementation, the impacts, and the hurdles faced at the local level of government have only scarcely been studied in public administration. The results of this study reveal several unintended and negative impacts of digital government reforms on public employees and citizens. This article provides policy-makers and managers with guiding principles for the implementation of digital change in organizations.