Trends and Thematic Evolution in Digital Policy Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

Helen Dian Fridayani, Muhammad Younus, Yuli Isnadi, Achmad Nurmandi, Sindy Widyasari

Abstract


This study presents a bibliometric analysis of digital policy research, evaluating its thematic evolution and theoretical underpinnings across international journals. Utilizing the Scopus search engine, the research identifies and classifies digital policy publications from 2013 to 2023, and VOSviewer software was employed to visualize trends, network linkages, and information production. The findings indicate a notable lack of theory-driven research in the digital policy domain, with a majority of studies focusing on empirical or applied aspects rather than foundational theory. This gap is particularly pronounced in areas like cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital governance. Additionally, the study reveals that interdisciplinary journals contribute more to theory-based digital policy research than specialized publications. The research calls for greater integration of theoretical frameworks in digital policy studies to address global digital challenges better. It highlights the need for scholars to explicitly link their work to theory, thus enriching policy development and offering more comprehensive solutions to emerging technological issues. Failure to incorporate theory consistently represents a missed opportunity to influence the broader discourse on digital governance and policy making.

Keywords


Digital Policy; E-Government; Thematic Analysis.

Full Text:

PDF

References


Ali, R. F., Selvam, D. D. D. P., Ali, S. E. A., & Rehman, M. (2021). Information security behavior and information security policy compliance: A systematic literature review for identifying the transformation process from noncompliance to compliance. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 11(8). https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app11083383

Allen, C., Malekpour, S., & Mintrom, M. (2023). Cross-scale, cross-level and multi-actor governance of transformations toward the Sustainable Development Goals: A review of common challenges and solutions. Sustainable Development, 31(3). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2495

Assche, K. Van, Hornidge, A.-K., Schluter, A., & Vaidianu, N. (2020). Governance and the coastal condition: Towards new modes of observation, adaptation, and integration. Marine Policy, 122. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2019.01.002

Carr, M., & Lesniewska, F. (2020). Internet of Things, cybersecurity and governing wicked problems: learning from climate change governance. International Relations, 34(3). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0047117820948247

Chowdhury, D. (2024). A Thematic Qualitative Study: The Influence of Executive Leadership on Cybersecurity in Operational Technology (OT) for Critical Industries.

Christensen, J. (2021). Expert knowledge and policymaking: a multi-disciplinary research agenda. Policy Press, 49(3). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1332/030557320X15898190680037

Collins, H. (2018). Creative Research: The Theory and Practice of Research for The Creative Industries (berilustra). Bloomsbury Academic. https://books.google.co.id/books/about/Creative_Research.html?id=UbEyEAAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y

Cox, E., Reardon, & Selby, L. (2022). The impacts of non-energy policies on the energy system: a scoping paper. UK Energy Research Centre. https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/107023/

Dwivedi, Y. K., Jeyaraj, A., Hughes, L., Davies, G. H., Ahuja, M., Albashrawi, M. A., Al-Busaidi, A. S., Al-Sharhan, S., Al-Sulaiti, K. I., Altinay, L., Amalaya, S., Archak, S., Ballestar, M. T., Bagwat, S. A., Bharadwaj, A., Bhusahan, A., Bose, I., Budhwar, P., Bunker, D., … Walton, P. (2024). “Real impact”: Challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between research and practice–Making a difference in industry, policy, and society. International Journal of Information Management, 74. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102750

Dwivedi, Y. K., Sharma, A., Rana, N. P., Giannakis, M., Goel, P., & Dutot, V. (2023). Evolution of artificial intelligence research in Technological Forecasting and Social Change: Research topics, trends, and future directions. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, p. 192. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122579

Faro, B. (2020). Continuous Transformation of Government Agencies in the Digital Era: A Technological and Non-Technological Assessment [the University of Technology Sydney]. https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/149193/2/02Whole.pdf

Ferinelli, M., Canterino, F., & Caniato, F. (2023). Guiding digital transformation and collaborative knowledge creation in the pharmaceutical supply chain through action research. The Journal of Applied Science, 59(4). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/00218863231195648

George, A. S. (2024). Bridging the Digital Divide: Understanding the Human Impacts of Digital Transformation. Partners Universal International Innovation Journal, 2(3). https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11287684

Gopal, A., Chen, P., Oh, W., Xu, S. X., & Sarker, S. (2024). On Crafting Effective Theoretical Contributions for Empirical Papers in Economics of Information Systems: Some Editorial Reflections. Information System Research. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2024.editorial.v35.n3

Gumusay, A. A., Raynard, M., Albu, O., Etter, M., & Roulet, T. (2022). Digital Technology and Voice: How Platforms Shape Institutional Processes Through Visibilization. In Digital Transformation and Institutional Theory (Vol. 83). Emerald Publishing Limited. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/S0733-558X20220000083003/full/html

Haghani, M. (2023). What makes an informative and publication-worthy scientometric analysis of literature: a guide for authors, reviewers, and editors. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspective, p. 22. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2023.100956

Hanafizadeh, P., Khosravi, B., Habibollah, S., & Tabatabaeian. (2020). Rethinking dominant theories used in the information systems field in the digital platform era. Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, 22(4). https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/DPRG-09-2019-0076/full/html

Hanelt, A., Bohnsack, R., Marz, D., & Marante, C. A. (2020). A Systematic Review of the Literature on Digital Transformation: Insights and Implications for Strategy and Organizational Change. Journal of Management Studies, 58(5). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12639

Hannah, A., Baekkeskov, E., & Tubakovic, T. (2022). Ideas and crisis in policy and administration: Existing links and research frontiers. Public Administration, 100(3). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/padm.12862

Head, B. W. (2019). Forty years of wicked problems literature: Forging closer links to policy studies. Policy and Society, 38(2). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2018.1488797

Hermans, T., Oosten, C. van, Ingram, V., & Tilborg, E. van. (2023). Telecoupled landscapes for nature inclusive transitions: conceptual framing and methods. Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation, WDCI 23-23. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18174/589178

Hongdan, H. (2022). The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain adoption in corporate governance: ethical perspectives [Brunel University London]. https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/25376

Marangunic, N., & Granic, A. (2015). Technology acceptance model: a literature review from 1986 to 2013. Universal Access in the Information Society, 14, 81–95. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10209-014-0348-1

Matraeva, L., Vasiutina, E., Korolkova, N., Maloletko, A., & Kaurova, O. (2022). Identifying rebound effects and formulating more sustainable energy efficiency policy: A global review and framework. Energy Research & Social Science, 85. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2021.102402

Muzari, T. (2022). Qualitative research paradigm, a key research design for educational researchers, processes and procedures: A theoretical overview. Indiana Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358183997_Indiana_Journal_of_Humanities_and_Social_Sciences_Qualitative_Research_Paradigm_a_Key_Research_Design_for_Educational_Researchers_Processes_and_Procedures_A_Theoretical_Overview_of_the_Creative_Common

Nguyen, M. T., & Tran, M. Q. (2023). Balancing security and privacy in the digital age: an in-depth analysis of legal and regulatory frameworks impacting cybersecurity practices. International Journal of Intelligent Automation and Computing, 6(5). https://research.tensorgate.org/index.php/IJIAC/article/view/61

Pan, X., Yan, E., Cui, M., & Hua, W. (2018). Examining the usage, citation, and diffusion patterns of bibliometric mapping software: A comparative study of three tools. Journal of Informetrics, 12(2), 481–493. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2018.03.005

Publications. (2020). Scopus Indexing: Why all the Fuss? Iafor.Org. https://iafor.org/scopus-indexing-why-all-the-fuss/

Rahman, A. (2015). Toward a Comprehensive Conceptualization of Digital Divide and its Impact on E-Government System Success. E-Service Adoption: Processes by Firms in Developing Nation, 2. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/S1069-096420150000023003

Schlager, E. (2007). A comparison of frameworks, theories, and models of policy processes. In Theories of the Policy Process (2nd edition). ROUTLEDGE. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780367274689-10/comparison-frameworks-theories-models-policy-processes-edella-schlager

Scutz, M., Zilian, L. S., & Zilian, S. S. (2022). The nexus between digital skills/competencies and work: A bibliometric study. Genesis. https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/bitstream/handle/document/82024/ssoar-2022-schutz_et_al-The_nexus_between_digital_skillscompetences.pdf?sequence=1&lnkname=ssoar-2022-schutz_et_al-The_nexus_between_digital_skillscompetences.pdf

Shepherd, M. M., & Mejias, R. J. (2016). Nontechnical deterrence effects of mild and severe internet use policy reminders in reducing employee internet abuse. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, pp. 32, 557–567. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2016.1183862

Sovacool, B. K., & Hess, D. J. (2017). Ordering theories: Typologies and conceptual frameworks for sociotechnical change. Social Studies of Science, 47(5). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0306312717709363

Spruijt, P., Knol, A. B., Vasileiadou, E., Devilee, J., Lebret, E., & Petersen, A. C. (2014). Roles of scientists as policy advisers on complex issues: A literature review. Environmental Science & Policy, 40, 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2014.03.002

Stuart, D. (2017). Knowledge machines: Digital transformations of the sciences and humanities. Online Information Review, 41(1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-12-2015-0377

Stufflebeam, D. L., & Shinkfield, A. J. (2007). Evaluation theory, models, and applications. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. https://books.google.co.id/books/about/Evaluation_Theory_Models_and_Application.html?id=xx6UgC6UdFMC&redir_esc=y

Swinkels, M. (2020). How ideas matter in public policy: a review of concepts, mechanisms, and methods. International Review of Public Policy, 2(3). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4000/irpp.1343

Theobald, S., Brandes, N., Gyapong, M., El-Saharty, S., Proctor, E., & Diaz, T. (2018). Implementation research: new imperatives and opportunities in global health. Health Policy, 392(10160). https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)32205-0/abstract

U.A. Bukar, M.S. Sayeed, R.A.R. Mahmood, S.F. Abdul Razak, S. Yogarayan, O.A.A. Amodu, (2023). Text analysis and visualization of expert perspectives on concerns of chatgpt. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Valtysson, B. (2020). Digital cultural politics: From policy to practice. Springer Nature. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-35234-9

Vermesan, O., & Bacquet, J. (2017). Cognitive Hyperconnected Digital Transformation: Internet of Things Intelligence Evolution (1st edition). River Publishers. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003337584

Ytre-Arne, B., & Moe, H. (2020). Folk theories of algorithms: Understanding digital irritation. Sage Journals, 43(5). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443720972314


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Younus, Yuli Isnadi, Achmad Nurmandi, Sindy Widyasari

Jurnal Public Policy
p-ISSN: 2477-5738  I  e-ISSN: 2502-0528  I  DOI: 10.35308
Jl. Alue Peunyareng, Ujong Tanoh Darat, Meureubo, Kabupaten Aceh Barat, Aceh 23681, Indonesia
(0655) 7110535 l +621260313742 l +6285277110911
License Creative Commons is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License