Digital technologies for adaptive climate governance: a systematic literature review with implications for policy innovation in South Africa

Abstract

Climate change governance in developing countries continues to face persistent implementation challenges arising from uneven institutional capacity, weak data infrastructure, and limited stakeholder participation. Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, blockchain, and digital participation platforms, have been proposed as potential enablers of adaptive climate governance. However, evidence on how these technologies contribute to adaptive governance and policy innovation in developing-country contexts remains fragmented. A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature published between January and March 2026 was identified through searches of five electronic databases. After screening and quality appraisal, 44 studies were included in the review. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic synthesis in ATLAS.ti 25 through a hybrid deductive -inductive coding approach Five themes emerged from the analysis: (1) AI and predictive climate analytics, (2) IoT and real-time environmental monitoring, (3) digital platforms for stakeholder engagement, (4) blockchain for transparent climate governance, and (5) big data and policy learning. The review demonstrates that digital technologies support anticipatory governance, adaptive policy learning, accountability, and collaborative decision-making when supported by appropriate institutional conditions. It also introduces the Digital Adaptive Governance Framework (DAGF), which proposes five governance pathways linking digital technology inputs to policy outcomes: anticipatory governance, feedback loops, adaptive policy learning, accountability-triggered reform, and collaborative governance. The findings indicate that digital technologies are governance-contingent rather than inherently transformative; their effectiveness depends on institutional capacity, policy coordination, digital literacy, and inclusive governance arrangements. For South Africa, the review highlights opportunities to strengthen climate governance by improving digital infrastructure, enhancing transparency in Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) implementation, addressing water governance challenges, and promoting inclusive digital participation. Institutional reform and capacity development should precede large-scale technology procurement. The proposed DAGF provides a conceptual foundation for future empirical research on digital technologies and adaptive climate governance in developing-country contexts.