Maturity models in digital transformation in e-government <i> a systematic literature review</i>

Abstract

This article aims to map maturity models used in digital transformation in the public sector and discuss their relationship with information policy. The study adopts an exploratory-descriptive approach with a qualitative perspective and was conducted through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) in the Brapci, Scopus, and Scielo databases, considering publications in Portuguese and English from 2016 to 2025. After applying the selection criteria, the final sample comprised six studies. The analysis identified 46 digital transformation maturity models, revealing significant conceptual and methodological diversity and the absence of a widely established reference model for the public sector. The findings also indicate that many institutions tend to adapt international models or develop their own frameworks, often without explicit alignment with information policy guidelines. These results suggest that adopting maturity models tailored to organizational contexts may contribute to more consistent diagnostic assessments and more effective digital transformation strategies within public administration. As a practical implication, the study highlights the need for stronger alignment between digital government policies and the maturity models adopted by public institutions. Future research should further explore comparative analyses of maturity models implemented in different national contexts.