From New Public Management to Digital Public Administration. Examining the Role of Technology in Shaping Super Smart Societies

This paper explores the paradigmatic shift from New Public Management (NPM) to Digital Public Administration (DPA) and its impact on the development of Super Smart Cities. NPM, characterized by market-driven and efficiency-oriented reforms, is giving way to DPA, which leverages digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain to enhance public service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement. The study situates this transition within the broader evolution toward Super Smart Societies, emphasizing inclusive, sustainable, and human-centric technological integration. Using a qualitative research design and thematic analysis of global and Zimbabwean policy documents, the paper identifies key enablers of DPA, including interoperable digital platforms, cloud computing, and AI-driven governance tools. It also highlights barriers such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, lack of policy coherence, and resistance to change. Special attention is given to equity and inclusion as essential elements for sustainable urban transformation. A comprehensive framework is proposed for integrating DPA into smart city initiatives, focusing on inclusive policies, robust data governance, public-private partnerships, citizen engagement platforms, and sustainable digital infrastructure. The paper concludes that while technological advancements offer transformative potential for urban governance, realizing equitable super smart societies requires overcoming socio-technical challenges through collaborative, ethical, and inclusive governance models. Future research is encouraged to evaluate longitudinal outcomes and explore emerging technologies in diverse urban contexts.