Transformations of smart governance during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly advanced global smart governance models. This paper investigates diverse national approaches to pandemic response through a systematic online case search and textual analysis. From over 50,000 samples, 72 cases were curated and classified into three overarching theoretical smart governance models: technocratic, participatory, and citizen-centric. Our findings indicate that while developed nations like the U.S. and U.K. widely utilized technocratic models, countries such as Singapore adopted more open, bottom-up approaches. Notably, nations in the Global South (e.g., Ghana, Peru) proactively developed innovative smart governance frameworks, though facing significant challenges in adoption and global standards. We emphasize the dynamic synergy among the public, the state, and technology in crafting context-specific smart governance solutions during the pandemic. This study provides a framework for policymakers and underscores the need for further research on how disruptive events reshape governance models.