Public-sector Digital Transformation in a New Governance Context: a Conditional Maturity Framework

Abstract

This article examines public-sector digital transformation at the organizational level through the lens of capability dependencies. Drawing on an integrative conceptual synthesis of three streams of literature  digital transformation and maturity models; platform architecture and interoperability; and data governance and artificial intelligence - the study proposes a seven-stage framework linked by four types of relationships: hard prerequisites, soft dependencies, parallel capabilities, and feedback loops. Six propositions specify the mechanisms and boundary conditions governing transitions between stages. The analytical framework does not assume a single linear temporal sequence; instead, it treats artificial intelligence as a conditional advanced capability and public value as the ultimate outcome criterion. The article discusses implications for government agencies and higher education institutions in Viet Nam and proposes directions for future empirical validation.