Digital Transformation of Public Administration Services: Lessons for Romania

The digital economy has fundamentally redefined the operation of public institutions, necessitating urgent strategic restructuring to enhance efficiency and optimize the services offered to citizens. This study, which utilizes a comparative analysis based on the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), examines the digitization of public administration in Romania in relation to other EU member states. A bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature was conducted, identifying the most influential scientific contributions in the field and a comparative evaluation of the leading DESI indicators for 2023 and 2024. The study uncovers the primary barriers to adopting digital technologies in Romanian public administration, such as resistance to change, limited digital skills, and reduced allocation of financial resources. However, the results also underscore the urgent need for action. Strategic directions are proposed to accelerate the digital transformation, including measures to increase digital skills, improve decision-making processes, and strengthen the legislative framework. These proposed directions not only address the current challenges but also emphasize the need for immediate action to ensure a more efficient, transparent, and accessible public administration in the future.