A Framework for Promoting Digital Transformation and the Adoption of Enterprise Architecture in South Africa’s Public Sector

The digital transformation of the public sector, which has become a critical aspect of modern public administration, involves using modern technologies, like cloud computing, data analytics, the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and social media platforms to improve governmental efficiency, transparency and effectiveness [1]. Enterprise architecture (EA), which has emerged as a valuable tool for planning and deploying DT complexities, is widely used in the private sector, with its application in the public sector being, as yet, relatively limited [2, 3]. The current researchers performed a systematic literature review to identify barriers to EA implementation in the public sector, and to suggest effective best practice frameworks that can promote its acceptance and accelerate digitalization. The barriers identified in this study include the lack of support from higher-level management, the limited organizational capacity, the insufficient shared understanding of EA and the required policies, and the lack of skills. The present study presents a framework for overcoming such constraints and for accelerating both DT and EA adoption within the public sector. The framework contains seven key elements: leadership and political commitment; organizational capability; EA governance; a national digital coordination center; regulation and policy; technical skills; implementation guidelines; and maturity framework.