Handbook on Digital Transformation in Local Government

This handbook is one in a series on Innovative Local Governance for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals developed by the United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG) of the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in collaboration with the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration (KRILA). The series includes six handbooks that aim to support local authorities and other stakeholders in developing the necessary knowledge, skills and capacities to implement the SDGs by introducing strategies, approaches and tools and by showcasing innovative country cases and experiences. 

This handbook specifically provides information for policymakers and public managers who are thinking about digital transformation for their local governments. It is designed to introduce various strategies, approaches and policy instruments that will promote that transformation and includes examples from localities in countries that have done so. The handbook focuses on the leadership, human resources and organizational structure of digital transformation agents. Several studies (Pittaway & camp; Montazemi, 2020; Nasi et al., 2011; Damanpour, 1987) say those are the most essential organizational management factors required for successful digital transformation.