Emerging Trends Regarding the Digitalization of Public Administration in the Context of Business and Sustainable Consumption: Bibliometric and Empirical Study

Authors: Sorin Burlacu, Eduard-Laurențiu Ion, Gheorghe Păcurar, Oana Camelia Iacob (Pârgaru)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how the digitalization of public administration, through the implementation of electronic service delivery platforms, the adoption of digital public policy frameworks and the use of citizen engagement tools, intersects with the development of sustainable businesses and the promotion of responsible consumption models. The bibliometric analysis was carried out on a sample of 642 specialized articles, published between January 2010 and December 2024, selected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases and processed using the VOSviewer application. By mapping keyword co-occurrence networks, keyword burst phenomena and citation clusters, thematic developments and key concepts in the international literature on the subject could be identified. The results highlight a growing interest in integrating digital solutions into sustainability-oriented public policies, highlighting the emergence of the concepts of “sustainable digital governance” (e.g., policy interoperability and transparency), “smart cities with an ecological and social dimension” (e.g., low-carbon infrastructure coordinated through the Internet of Things), and “green e-governance” (such as digital platforms for environmental monitoring and public participation). The study reveals a growing convergence between the digital transformation agenda of public administration and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The analysis of research cluster developments shows a transition from a focus on infrastructure and access in 2010–2015, to service integration and citizen engagement in 2016–2020, and in recent years (2021–2024) holistic e-governance models aligned with sustainability objectives are emerging. By empirically clarifying the digitalization strategies frequently associated with sustainable outcomes in the business sector—such as open data portals, AI-based decision support systems, and integrated services—the study provides a direction for potential research aimed at exploring the causal relationships between the adoption of digital policies and measurable sustainability indicators, such as reduced resource consumption and increased adoption of circular economy practices among local businesses. In addition, the results suggest policy implications for prioritizing interoperable digital platforms and cross-sector partnerships to accelerate the SDGs. This bibliometric mapping also highlights some areas that are still insufficiently researched, such as the use of blockchain technology for green public procurement, and provides an information basis for designing digital governance interventions aimed at effectively supporting sustainable business ecosystems and responsible consumption models.