A Conceptual Framework Proposal for Digital Maturity Assessment and Sustainability for Municipalities

Introduction

In the wake of an unprecedented digital revolution, municipalities worldwide are facing the significant consequences of embracing technology in the pursuit of not only operational efficiency but also sustainable urban development. The integration of digital technologies into the fabric of municipal governance has become a crucial element in effectively managing the complexities of modern urban landscapes. However, the prevailing challenge bases not only in the adoption of these technologies but in effectively coordinating an integration between digital maturity and sustainability imperatives.

This paper presents a conceptual framework for assessing digital transformation that goes beyond conventional boundaries. We contend that a municipality's digital maturity should not be limited to the technology alone; it should involve a comprehensive assessment of organizational adaptability, citizen engagement, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. By affording due consideration to these multi-faceted dimensions, our framework aims to provide municipalities with a comprehensive set of tools to navigate the evolving landscape of digital transformation and urban governance. At the heart of this proposal lies the recognition that sustainable urban development is associated with digital maturity. The strategic utilization of digital technologies becomes crucial in the pursuit of efficient resource allocation, robust infrastructure, and equal accessibility to services as urban areas see rapid growth in population and complexity. Moreover, the demands of sustainability are significant, necessitating a collective effort to integrate digital solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also minimize ecological footprints and improving social sustainability in the city.

Sustainability is the ability of an organization to maintain its operations and success over time while decreasing negative impacts on the environment, society, and economy. It involves equipping organizations with the management, skills, global perspectives, and strategies necessary to the unique challenges facing organizations (Goodland, 1995; Kupilas et al., 2023). The scope of sustainability extends beyond the implementation of measures that yield economic and cultural advantages by promoting environmental responsibility. Instead, sustainability can also be an end in itself without further justifications. In order to attain organizational sustainability, organizations must integrate sustainability into the core of their operations in order to get the necessary knowledge and capabilities to implement sustainable practices on a large scale. Organizational sustainability refers to the ability of an organization to maintain its operations and success over time while minimizing negative impacts on the environment, society, and economy (Linnenluecke & Griffiths, 2010).

Municipalities are local governments that possess legal recognition and possess the authority for self-governance or jurisdiction, as granted by national and regional laws to which they are subordinate. Municipalities are usually a single administrative division, such as towns, villages, or other local government units. These divisions are established as municipal corporations through the issue of a municipal charter by the state. Digital maturity assessment of municipalities is similar to the assessment of organizations. Digital maturity assessments are widely regarded as valuable tools for gaining insight into an organization's existing degree of maturity in the digital realm, as well as for identifying strategies to advance and accelerate digital transformation efforts. The assessment of digital maturity in municipalities is based on the same principles as the assessment of digital maturity in organizations. The assessment aims to evaluate the degree of digital transformation and identify areas for improvement. The proposed framework for digital maturity assessment and sustainability for municipalities will be developed based on existing models such as the Digital Transformation Maturity Model, Digital Maturity Index for local governments, and the Best-Worst Method. The framework will offer precise methodologies and evaluation criteria to assist local governments in effectively tackling the obstacles associated with digital transformation and sustainability. By using this framework, municipalities can evaluate their digital maturity and sustainability and make informed decisions to foster their digital transformation.