A framework for building a sustainable digital nation: essential elements and challenges

Abstract

Purpose

Nations around the globe are moving from digital transformation toward the realization of a digital nation, but they are facing challenges in the process. This study aims to build a digital nation framework by identifying these challenges and developing solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review process was followed, which included the development of a review protocol, selection of research papers, data extraction and analysis of results. In total, 41 research papers were selected from the 12,624 peer-reviewed academic and research papers initially identified.

Findings

Several challenges associated with the elements of a digital nation, including people, technology, institutions, policy, economics and sustainability, are identified; and solutions to these problems are presented. This study's primary objective is to build a digital nation framework by analyzing these challenges and finding solutions to them.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides direction for building a digital nation framework, but the literature review findings are limited to journals, conference papers and government publications. Moreover, it would have been helpful if the research findings had been crosschecked with a panel of experts. This study will correct this weakness in later research.

Practical implications

This study provides policymakers and leaders with a guide for building a digital nation. This study also provides direction for researchers working in this field as little relevant research is currently available.

Originality/value

This study analyses the existing literature on the challenges surrounding digital nations and gives direction to theory building for future studies.

Citation

Penmetsa, M.K. and Bruque-Camara, S. (2021), "A framework for building a sustainable digital nation: essential elements and challenges", Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 262-286. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-10-2020-0148