A Multi-Level Framework for Digital Innovation Ecosystems in Public Sector Enterprises
Keywords:
Digital innovation ecosystem, public sector enterprises, institutional governance, organizational readiness, inter-organizational collaborationAbstract
This study aimed to develop a multi-level framework for understanding the institutional, organizational, and ecosystem-level dynamics that shape digital innovation ecosystems within public sector enterprises. This qualitative research employed a descriptive-exploratory design using semi-structured interviews with 26 participants from various public sector organizations in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on their direct involvement in digital transformation initiatives. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-step approach, and coding was peer-reviewed to enhance trustworthiness. Analysis yielded three overarching themes: institutional infrastructure and governance, organizational readiness and capabilities, and ecosystem-level collaboration and innovation. At the institutional level, participants identified fragmented policies, inflexible regulations, limited leadership commitment, and low institutional trust as key barriers. Organizational-level findings highlighted inadequate digital skillsets, risk-averse culture, outdated IT systems, and weak strategic planning. At the ecosystem level, poor inter-agency collaboration, weak public-private partnerships, and lack of innovation platforms were cited. These findings align with and extend existing research on the need for integrated governance, internal capacity-building, and multi-stakeholder engagement to advance public sector digital innovation. The study demonstrates that public sector digital transformation requires a systemic, multi-level approach that integrates institutional coherence, organizational capability development, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Without synchronized action across these levels, digital innovation efforts are likely to remain fragmented, unsustainable, or ineffective. The proposed framework offers practical guidance for policymakers and public managers to design more cohesive and resilient digital innovation ecosystems.
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