DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL

Authors

  • Айнур Шахшина Karaganda University of Kazpotrebsoyuz
  • Roza Bugubayeva Karaganda University of Kazpotrebsoyuz
  • Zhelyu Vladimirov

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52123/1994-2370-2026-1650

Keywords:

digital transformation, public service, human capital, workforce development, public sector reform, digital government

Abstract

This article examines the process of digital transformation in the public service and its impact on the development of human capital. It argues that the adoption of digital tools, platforms and data-driven organizational structures reshapes the role of public servants, demands new competencies and enables continuous learning pathways. To explore this linkage, the paper reviews the conceptual foundations of digital transformation and human capital, identifies mechanisms through which transformation affects workforce capabilities, presents empirical evidence from recent public-sector reform initiatives, and discusses challenges and implications for public institutions. The findings suggest that while digital transformation opens new opportunities for human capital development, realizing them depends on complementary factors such as training, culture, leadership and evidence-based human-resource management. The article concludes with recommendations for aligning digital-service strategies with human-capital policies and indicates directions for further research in public-administration practice.

: 102
: 38

References

1. Fountain, J. E. (2001). Building the Virtual State: Information Technology and Institutional Change. Brookings Institution Press.

2. Heeks, R. (2006). Implementing and managing eGovernment: An international text. SAGE Publications Ltd, https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446220191

3. Mergel, I., Edelmann, N., & Haug, N. (2019). Defining digital transformation: Results from expert interviews. Government Information Quarterly, 36(4), 101385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2019.06.002

4. OECD. (2020). The OECD Digital Government Policy Framework: Six Dimensions of a Digital Government. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/f64fed2a-en

5. OECD. (2023). Government at a Glance 2023. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/3d5c5d31-en

6. World Bank. (2022). GovTech Maturity Index 2022 Update: Trends in Public Sector Digital Transformation. World Bank Group. https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/2fb41046aca43d083008ca6335f1335f-0460042022/original/2022-GTMI-Update-20221116.pdf

7. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). (2022). United Nations E-Government Survey 2022: The Future of Digital Government. UN Public Administration Network. https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/reports/un-e-government-survey-2022

8. Becker, G. S. (1964). Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to Education. University of Chicago Press.

9. Schultz, T. W. (1971). Investment in Human Capital: The Role of Education and of Research. New York: The Free Press.

10. Bontis, N. (2001). Assessing knowledge assets: A review of the models used to measure intellectual capital. International Journal of Management Reviews, 3(1), 41–60. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2370.00053

11. OECD. (2023). Public Employment and Management Report 2023. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/5b378e11-en

12. Dunleavy, Patrick, and others, Digital Era Governance: IT Corporations, the State, and e-Government (Oxford, 2006; online edn, Oxford Academic, 3 Oct. 2011), https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199296194.001.0001

13. Deloitte. (2023). Global Human Capital Trends 2023: New Fundamentals for a Boundaryless World. Deloitte Insights. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/human-capital-trends/2023.html

14. Karpenko O., Zaporozhets T., Tsedik M., Vasiuk N., Osmak A. (2023). Digital Transformations of Public Administration in Countries with Transition Economies. European Review, 31(6):569-588. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1062798723000522

15. UNDP & Astana Civil Service Hub. (2023). e-HRM systems for the civil service in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea. United Nations Development Program. https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-04/20240403_e-hrm_fin.pdf

16. European Commission. (2023). eGovernment Benchmark 2023: Connecting Digital Governments. Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2759/474056

17. Sørensen, E., & Torfing, J. (2022). The three orders of public innovation: Implications for research and practice. Nordic Journal of Information Governance and Policy Studies, 1(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.18261/njips.1.1.3

18. Alon-Barkat, S., & Busuioc, M. (2023). Human–AI Interactions in Public Sector Decision Making. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 33(1), 153–170. https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/muac007

19. Wa'u, J. and R. Nambiar. (2024). 'Digital Government to Counter the Effects of COVID-19: The Case of Singapore' in Chen, L. and F. Kimura (eds.) Empowering Online Public Service in Asia: The Digital Frontier. Jakarta: ERIA, pp. 83-112.

20. 2021 Action Plan for Digital New Deal. (2021). Ministry of Science and ICT. https://www.korea.net/Government/Briefing-Room/Press-Releases/view?articleId=5255&type=O&utm

21. E-Government Survey 2024 Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development With the addendum on Artificial Intelligence. (2024). United Nations. https://desapublications.un.org/sites/default/files/publications/2024-10/Print%20Version%20_E-Government%20Survey%202024%2011_10_2024.pdf

22. OECD. (2025). Government at a Glance 2025: Estonia. OECD Publishing. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/government-at-a-glance-2025-country-notes_da3361e1-en/estonia_89797d03-en.html

23. Afzal, M., Panagiotopoulos, P. (2024). Coping with digital transformation in frontline public services: A study of user adaptation in policing. Government

Downloads

Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

Шахшина, А., Bugubayeva, R., & Vladimirov, Z. (2026). DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL. Public Administration and Civil Service, 1(96), 38–46. https://doi.org/10.52123/1994-2370-2026-1650

Issue

Section

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIL SERVICE

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.