The evolution of theoretical contributions in digital government research: Insights from GIQ

Digital government researchers have debated theoretical progress in the domain. With a surge in publications over the past decade, examining its theoretical progress is timely. This reflection article offers a case analysis of theoretical contributions in digital government research through a literature review of 279 articles published in Government Information Quarterly (GIQ), the domain's leading journal, in the period 2000–2024. Our findings reveal: (1) a preponderance of theoretical extensions, often drawing on well-established theories from other domains but lacking a digital government-specific focus, and (2) “unfinished” theories, often aligned with emerging technologies and trends. While our analysis focuses solely on GIQ, it indicates a need for further development and refinement of the domain's theories, and explicit stances of using and further developing “borrowed” theories from other domains. • We analyze how digital government research has engaged with theory in selected GIQ articles over the past 25 years. • The findings offer a basis for reflecting on opportunities for theory development in digital government research. • The domain’'s multidisciplinary nature can hinder coherent theoretical development. • High dependence on borrowed theory from other domains indicates theoretical stagnation in the domain. • Researchers should focus on creating and testing theories tailored to digital government phenomena.