DIGITAL LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND FUTURE RESEARCH AGENDA

Abstract

Digital transformation has become a very important agenda and a strategic imperative for modern governments, revolutionising public service delivery, organisational processes and typically bureaucratic administrative decision-making. Thus, digital leadership competencies have evolved into a critical enabler of successful transformation. Nonetheless, although there is a growing interest from the academic and policy world, the field remains theoretically fragmented and empirically underdeveloped. Ultimately, there is little clarity about which competencies matter, how they operate, and how they integrate with broader governance and public sector management practices. This systematic literature review (SLR) critically synthesises peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 across Scopus and Web of Science to map, classify and critically review current knowledge on digital leadership competencies and skills in the public sector. An analysis of major conceptual trends, regularities, and substantive gaps in the field reveals inconsistencies in definitions, a lack of empirical validation, and the absence of sector-specific competency frameworks. Drawing on evidence from the 29 studies included, the review proposes a synthesised competency framework for government contexts comprising four main competency domains and skills within these domains: digital vision and strategic direction, digital literacy, behavioural and relational leadership, and change management. This framework offers a foundation for advancing theory, guiding empirical research, and informing competency‑building initiatives for public‑sector leaders and policymakers seeking to strengthen digital leadership capacity across government institutions.