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In recent years, a key concept in the transformation toward smart governance has been the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Identifying the factors that influence AI acceptance in governance can provide a roadmap for designing and implementing effective policies. Smart governance seeks to foster satisfaction among all societal stakeholders and plays a central role in addressing challenges such as population growth, recurring crises, and managerial complexity. Consequently, this study seeks to develop a comprehensive framework for AI adoption in smart governance using a meta-synthesis approach. The proposed framework aims to identify, analyze, and classify the components and factors associated with the acceptance of emerging technologies, enabling governance systems to fully leverage AI capabilities across design, managerial, and operational dimensions. Furthermore, through a systematic review of prior research, this study endeavors to provide integrated solutions for the optimal utilization of data and information, paving the way for future scholarly investigations.

This study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing the meta-synthesis method to achieve its research objectives. The process was structured according to Saunders et al.’s “research onion” model, a widely recognized and reliable framework for systematically integrating qualitative findings. To examine the factors related to AI adoption in governance, a comprehensive review of 1,123 scholarly articles and books from international academic databases was conducted. Source selection was based on well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a particular focus on literature related to smart governance and the critical factors influencing technology adoption. The analyzed works were published between 2015 and 2025 in leading scientific databases. The findings from this systematic analysis were synthesized to develop a comprehensive model for AI adoption, structured through the integration of qualitative results and the identification of key components.

The findings reveal that the successful adoption of artificial intelligence in smart governance requires a comprehensive framework incorporating four fundamental layers. First, the informational layer (technological context) encompasses digital infrastructure, data governance and security, and algorithmic transparency. Second, the institutional layer (organizational context) includes an innovative organizational culture, transformational leadership, and employee training and empowerment. Third, the value layer (environmental context) consists of legal and regulatory frameworks, competitive pressures, and citizens’ demands. Finally, the action layer (absorptive capacity) comprises dynamic capabilities and mechanisms for knowledge sharing. Collectively, these four layers and their associated components establish a holistic foundation through which governments can effectively integrate artificial intelligence into the design, management, and execution of smart governance.

This study aimed to design a model for the adoption of artificial intelligence in smart governance. The findings demonstrate that successful technological integration requires robust digital infrastructure, supportive policies, a mature digital culture, enhanced human skills, and continuous oversight of AI-driven processes. The proposed multi-layered framework offers a strategic roadmap for policymakers and administrators, emphasizing that AI adoption is not merely a technical upgrade but a systemic transformation involving technological, institutional, environmental, and capability-based dimensions. Future research should empirically validate and refine this framework across different governmental contexts.

The purpose of this research is to propose a systemic model of digital governance in a smart government. This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of data collection. The qualitative population of this study consists of experts in the field of public administration and governance with a master's degree or higher in the Sistan and Baluchistan Province. The quantitative population of this study includes all government officials and employees in the Sistan and Baluchistan Province who hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire, whose validity and reliability were examined and confirmed. Statistical software SPSS and Smart-PLS were used for data analysis. The results of this study include a systemic model with the following inputs: 1) data, 2) administrative processes, 3) citizen feedback, 4) knowledge and analysis, and 5) needs and priorities. The process of this model includes: 1) defining a strategy, 2) establishing technical infrastructure, 3) collecting and integrating data, 4) processing and analyzing data, 5) providing electronic services, 6) security and protection, and 7) citizen participation. The outputs of this model also include: 1) electronic services, 2) statistical information and data, 3) information technology infrastructure, 4) improved performance and efficiency, and 5) transparency and reputation.

Digital government represents a strategic approach for enhancing transparency, citizen participation, and efficiency in the delivery of public services. With the rise of public expectations and evolving digital standards, blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative innovation. Its defining features—decentralization, high security, transparency, and immutability of data—position blockchain as a key driver of both digital government and innovation in public policymaking. However, its application in developing countries faces multiple obstacles. In Iran, despite ongoing efforts to advance digital governance, the integration of blockchain into public policymaking remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by systematically identifying the benefits, barriers, and infrastructural requirements for blockchain adoption in the Iranian public sector, using the Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) framework.

The research adopted a mixed-methods design, beginning with a qualitative phase followed by a quantitative assessment. Data for the qualitative phase were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 13 experts in blockchain technology and public policy, including IT managers and university faculty members. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, employing an inductive approach in which themes emerged from the data without reliance on predefined theories. Thematic coding resulted in the extraction of 221 basic codes, consolidated into 30 organizing themes and 10 global themes. These themes informed the design of a structured questionnaire for the quantitative phase. The questionnaire, based on a four-point Likert scale, was evaluated through IPA. Finally, the results were validated by a panel of experts in public policy, IT, and blockchain to ensure prioritization of the most critical factors.

The thematic analysis highlighted ten overarching domains, including transparency, trust-building, decentralization, security, efficiency, economic and geopolitical implications, innovation, challenges, and infrastructural requirements. The IPA results revealed significant mismatches between importance and performance. Key elements such as transparency, data security, and corruption reduction were rated highly important but demonstrated weak performance due to technical, organizational, and political constraints. Conversely, areas such as public access to information and the implementation of smart contracts were identified as high-performing strengths. Other components, including the decentralization of power and international collaboration, though in early stages of development, were recognized for their substantial strategic potential. Collectively, these findings show both the promise of blockchain and the barriers to its full realization in Iran’s public sector.

Blockchain is not merely a technological innovation but a powerful instrument for transforming public policymaking in the context of digital government. The study demonstrates that blockchain can substantially improve transparency, data security, and anti-corruption mechanisms. Yet, challenges remain: technical limitations, a shortage of specialized professionals, organizational resistance, and legal and regulatory gaps all impede full-scale adoption. Policy implications include the urgent need for coherent policy design, robust technical infrastructure, and enhanced cross-sector collaboration. Despite the barriers, blockchain holds significant strategic potential to strengthen governance quality, efficiency, and transparency in Iran and other developing countries, offering a pathway for innovation in public policy and the advancement of digital government.

The aim of this study is to design a governance model for e-government with an approach to fostering the creation and development of digital businesses. This research employed an exploratory mixed-method approach and was conducted in two main phases. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was used to identify the key dimensions and components of e-government governance related to digital business development. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 experts, senior managers, policymakers, specialists, and entrepreneurs active in the fields of e-government and digital businesses in Iran. The data were analyzed using a three-stage coding process. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was developed based on the conceptual model derived from the qualitative findings and distributed among a sample of 384 participants using the unlimited population sampling formula. The quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with LISREL and SPSS software. The findings led to the identification of critical dimensions and components of the proposed model, including:Smart digital governance and policymaking(coherent and transparent policymaking, stakeholder participation and accountability, institutional frameworks for digital regulation and oversight); Technological infrastructure and interoperability (secure and inclusive communication infrastructure, open data infrastructure, and open architecture); Digital services and shared platforms for business development

This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the impact of information technology and administrative management on the success of e-government with the mediating role of knowledge management (case study of Dezful municipality).

The current research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in nature, also simple random sampling method was chosen. The statistical population of the research was 1860 employees of Dezful municipality, of which 319 were selected as a sample. In order to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire, SPSS and PLS software were used in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics. In this study, partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to test and validate the research model and proposed hypotheses, and the t-value is the main criterion for rejecting or accepting hypotheses.

Information technology and administrative management significantly increase the success of e-government. Also, knowledge management plays a vital intermediary role between information technology and administrative management for the greater success of e-government.

At the end of this research, it is recommended that the managers of Dezful municipality pay special attention to the basic variables of information technology, administrative management and knowledge management in order to realize electronic government in urban management.

The aim of this study is to design a model for transforming the human resource management functions with an e-government approach, specifically focusing on the Civil Registration Organization.

The statistical population of this study consists of experts (senior and middle managers) of the Civil Registration Organization. Using purposive sampling, seven experts were selected to identify the indicators of the model for transforming human resource functions within e-government. In this study, Strauss and Corbin's (1989) grounded theory coding process was employed for the qualitative data analysis, which includes three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. MAXQDA 22 software was used for all three stages of coding.

The findings indicate that customer factors, technological factors, e-government, and organizational factors are causal conditions that have led to the transformation of human resource management functions in the Civil Registration Organization. Strategies for transforming human resource management functions include improving managerial relationships, enhancing and participating in employee communications, rewards and benefits, employee training and empowerment, and recruiting skilled personnel.

These strategies are influenced by the quality of information and communication technology, employees' knowledge and expertise, employee behavior, and organizational culture. The strategies of the model lead to increased client satisfaction, reduced organizational costs, improved employee performance, and enhanced organizational productivity

The present study evaluates the validity and reliability of the research model in designing a tax collection framework based on tax justice within the context of e-government. The main objective is to examine the credibility of the measurement instruments and assess the structural performance of the model in measuring the relationships among different variables. In this regard, convergent validity and reliability of the variables were evaluated. Overall, the results indicate that the instruments used in this study possess high credibility, ensuring the trustworthiness of the measurements.Furthermore, the discriminant validity of the model was assessed using the Fornell-Larcker criterion and the HTMT index. According to the Fornell-Larcker criterion, a construct should have a stronger correlation with itself than with other constructs. The analysis of the Fornell-Larcker matrix confirmed that the correlation values of each construct with itself on the main diagonal were higher than those with other constructs, thus supporting appropriate discriminant validity. Additionally, the HTMT criterion—recommended for more complex models and cases with overlapping factor loadings—showed that the HTMT values for all construct pairs were below 0.9. This finding indicates that the constructs are effectively distinguished from one another, with no unnecessary correlations.The overall conclusion of the study demonstrates that the research model enjoys satisfactory validity and reliability, and that the employed measurement tools are highly credible. Moreover, the model effectively explains the relationships among variables, with the structural model fit indices showing strong predictive power and a good overall fit. Therefore, the proposed research model is suitable for hypothesis testing and further analyses.In the final part of the study, recommendations are provided to improve the efficiency of the tax system and achieve tax justice. These include strengthening cooperation and data exchange among different governmental bodies through the design of integrated information systems, enabling smooth and rapid transfer of tax-related data across institutions. Such measures can enhance inter-agency coordination, reduce errors and disruptions in information processing, and ultimately improve transparency and reduce corruption. It is also recommended that tax systems be developed based on modern technologies, allowing taxpayers to perform all tax-related activities online in a simple and transparent manner, while ensuring the security of their information.

 In recent years, smart cities have emerged as a comprehensive and effective approach to urban development and addressing complex urban challenges, gaining significant attention from researchers. In this context, smart governance and open urban governance have been introduced as two key models leveraging information and communication technology (ICT) for urban management and enhancing citizen participation. This study aims to examine the role of open urban governance in achieving the objectives of smart cities and to propose a model in this regard using the meta-synthesis method.

The main goal of the current research is to design and validate the lean government model in government governance in Iran. In terms of paradigms, the present research is in the exploration phase of the interpretive model and in the test phase of the proof-oriented model, in terms of general pragmatism, and in terms of audience studies. The research sample in the qualitative phase of the academic field includes university professors, academic staff members and public sector managers, and a total of 15 experts were interviewed to collect qualitative data. The research approach is mixed and the strategy used is theme analysis using MAXQDA software. A research questionnaire was developed to collect quantitative data in accordance with exploratory factor analysis. In the quantitative section, 199 people were examined as the final sample of the research using G power sample size software at the alpha level of 0.1 and test power of 0.85%. The path analysis test of the exploratory model was also examined according to the variance-based structural equation modeling algorithm using SPSS, 24 and Smart:PLS, 3 software. The research results showed that 33 indicators and 7 predictors (lean government services, lean service management, lean performance improvement, platform-based governance, lean system design and lean government) were identified for this purpose.

This study aimed to investigate the barriers to implementing the policy of establishing a national identity information database and issuing smart national ID cards, in accordance with Clause (D) of Article 46 of Iran’s Fifth Development Plan.

We used a qualitative approach within the philosophical framework of constructivism (interpretive paradigm). From an orientation perspective, it was applied research employing inductive methods. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with managers and experts from the National Organization for Civil Registration. Purposeful judgmental sampling was used, and the sample size was determined based on theoretical saturation. The data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis following the Braun and Clarke model. To enhance the reliability of the findings, peer review and participant feedback were employed. Given the research setting, this study was field research and cross-sectional in nature.

Data analysis revealed that the barriers to policy implementation can be categorized across four levels:Level 1: weakness in the supply of raw materials for producing the ID card body is identified as a dependent barrier, while managerial inefficiencies and internal organizational processes within the National Organization for Civil Registration are classified as linkage barriers; Level 2: lack of a coherent policy framework and inter-agency collaboration, along with deficiencies in policy formulation, were recognized as independent barriers; Level 3: weakness in policy monitoring and evaluation emerges as a linkage barrier; Level 4: neglecting cultural context and social dynamics is identified as a fundamental barrier.

 This research offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to reform the smart civil registration policy and can support managers in enhancing the implementation process.

This study offers valuable guidelines for policymaking and planning for e-government and exploiting AI for the future of this organization and the country in general.

This study investigated the nonlinear impact of three institutional–developmental indicators of e-government development, human development, and governance effectiveness on Iran’s GDP during the period 2010–2024. The main objective was to determine not only their individual effects but also their optimal combinations for enhancing sustainable economic growth.

The research was quantitative and applied, relying on global secondary data. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze linear, quadratic, and interactive effects among the variables. This approach allowed for the construction of second-order models and the identification of optimal policy points, which conventional linear econometric models often fail to capture.

The results show that e-government development exerts the strongest and most significant positive influence on GDP growth, highlighting its significant role in economic performance. Governance effectiveness also demonstrates a positive and accelerating relationship, confirming that improvements in institutional quality drive stronger economic expansion. By contrast, human development exerts a positive effect at lower levels but encounters diminishing returns beyond a threshold, indicating a “saturation effect” that may reduce efficiency in resource-constrained contexts.

For the first time in Iran, this study applies RSM to model nonlinear institutional effects on GDP, offering an innovative framework for data-driven policy analysis.

Policymakers should prioritize strengthening e-government and improving governance effectiveness. Moreover, organizations should design human development strategies with attention to marginal returns to ensure long-term productivity.

In today's advanced world, to maintain their existence, organizations must constantly monitor their performance to improve it and increase people's trust in them. One of the things that an organization or government can do to improve its performance is to increase transparency. The theory of open government, which comes from transparency, is considered an issue of the day in order to increase intra-border and extra-border communication. This article, while providing a unified definition of open government, has been written with the aim of explaining the jurisdiction of legal institutions related to the framework (components) of open government. In addition, this article analyzes the empirical and conceptual literature on open government to infer the framework of open government and open data policies in achieving open government in order to improve public administration.

 This article is a descriptive and analytical approach, and the sources used in this research are part of the books and articles that are collected and compiled in a library format, and at the end of each part, the content is presented in a table to make it easier to understand the topics. Design and methodology of research.

The issue of open government in the literature is very heterogeneous with regard to the field of research, the topic, the country of interest, and the content, so the integrated concept of open government is not clearly explained in the literature. In fact, the literature does not have a clear understanding of what the term open government generally includes, and even lacks basic and unified definitions, which are identified in Table No. 3, the cornerstone of the open government framework, which has led to the presentation of a homogeneous definition. Finally, in the definition of open government and different views about it, it can be briefly mentioned that the inner heart of open government consists of three pillars: transparency, participation, and cooperation, which increase public value. In addition, these three pillars affect the government-to-citizen/government-to-business relationship. Together, they form the internal factors of open government. These internal factors are influenced by external factors such as technology, accountability, regulations, and law, which ultimately interact with the internal circle to accept and trust the government as well as accountability.

 The limitations of time and the lack of resources, and issues related to the collection of the required information and data are among the most important limitations of the current research. Also, the investigation of this research is focused on the short-term effects of implementation, and more studies are needed to analyze the long-term effects.

 In organizational composition, open government, easy access to information generally means. Meanwhile, in an open government, the organizational transparency of the guarantee process and the commitment to accountability is defined by the timely disclosure of information and data, so, it is essential that the institutions outlined in this article and the proposed open data policies be further scrutinized using the aforementioned components to pave the way for the emergence of an open government as soon as possible.

 The issue of transparency of information becomes important when citizens have the right to access government documents and actions in order to provide the possibility of people's effective monitoring of the government. Open public data policies not only help government organizations in keeping data, perhaps through the integration of current and common data with new information for management, through the ability to systematically access internal or external problem-solving procedures, but also create more organizational capacities. Therefore, this article seeks to provide a systematic investigation that includes all the literature reviewed in relation to open government.

resources management infrastructures suitable for the mobile government is presented based on the theme network design.

The current research is applied-developmental in terms of its purpose and exploratory in terms of its nature, in which the qualitative method and thematic analysis strategy were used to analyze the interviews. The statistical sample of the research included 12 experts and senior managers of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, who were selected by purposive sampling. The data collection tool in this research was a semi-structured interview. The reliability and validity of the research findings were also confirmed using Guba and Lincoln criteria.

The analysis of the research data led to the identification of 51 basic themes, 21 constructive themes and 6 comprehensive themes. Overarching themes included the following; The alignment of human resource management functions with the requirements of the mobile government, individual consequences resulting from the implementation of this model, environmental factors affecting it, the realization of human resource management appropriate to the mobile government, effective organizational factors and organizational consequences resulting from the implementation of this model.

The results, while Providing a Comprehensive Understanding of the Infrastructure Required for the Successful Implementation of the mobile government, can be used as a basis for designing management policies and programs in government organizations. also, this research emphasizes the importance of aligning human resource management functions with government requirements and its impact on individual and organizational performance.

In this study, the components of Imam Khomeini's (RA) strategic thinking in the policy-making of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been examined to explore the relationship between Imam Khomeini's (RA) strategic thinking and the public policy-making of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This study used the thematic analysis method and the data collection method were semi-structured interviews with experts. From a total of 16 interviews conducted, after summing up the codes, 75 descriptive codes were extracted, and after classifying them, 25 interpretive codes and 13 overarching themes in four areas were obtained. Based on the results of the study, the components of Imam Khomeini's (RA) strategic thinking in the public policy-making of the Islamic Republic of Iran include God-centeredness, people-orientation, foresight and time-thinking, a systematic, positive, and scientific attitude to issues, and timely planning and decision-making. Also, the components of public policy-making in Imam Khomeini's (RA) life include justice orientation, time-consciousness, achieving social happiness, and managing hearts. In the meantime, gaps, including a lack of attention to social justice and a weakening of the revolutionary spirit, have emerged between the strategic thinking of Imam Khomeini (RA) and the public policy-making of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Appropriate solutions to omit these gaps between the strategic thinking of Imam Khomeini (RA) and the public policy-making of the Islamic Republic of Iran can be sought in the two components of implementing Islamic laws and serving the people and people-orientation.

This study aims to investigate the impact of e-government on organizational performance through job motivation in Arak Municipality. The research is applied in terms of purpose and causal in terms of nature and method. The statistical population consists of 300 municipal experts in Arak, with a sample size of 169 determined using Cochran’s formula. The data were collected through a field survey using a validated and reliable questionnaire. The data analysis was conducted using statistical software at both descriptive and inferential levels. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency and percentage, were used, while structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to test the research hypotheses. Findings indicate that e-government has a positive impact on organizational performance through job motivation. E-government directly enhances organizational performance. E-government has a positive effect on job motivation. Job motivation positively influences organizational performance.

The existence of challenges such as the continuous circulation of information, the active presence of governments in the online environment, ecological changes in work and lifestyle, and the problem of electronic wave pollution have made the role of governments in green management both essential and inevitable. For this reason, along with accelerating the development of information technology in organizations, governments pay special attention to the protection of biological resources to ensure stakeholder trust in electronic services and adhere to environmental principles as a strategic approach. The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a model for green e-government. For this research, after reviewing the related literature and utilizing experts’ opinions, a snowball sampling survey was conducted among subject-matter experts, with a final sample size of 13 determined according to the rule of theoretical saturation. Forty-three components were identified within eight dimensions. The factors affecting the implementation of green e-government include citizen communication management, service delivery management, human resource management, process management, legal requirements, financial management, strategic management, and cultural management. Then, using the fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) methodology, the relationships among the factors were explained. In this process, the concept of cultural management had the highest influence (4.54), and citizen communication management had the highest susceptibility (4.49). The results also showed that strategic management, with the highest degree of centrality, is the most fundamental among key concepts. Therefore, focusing on this concept in creating green e-government is not only an undeniable necessity but also a vital requirement for managers and innovators in all areas of decision-making and planning. The proposed model provides an essential tool for policymakers to develop successful strategies for green e-government.

In the information age, governments are seeking to leverage modern technologies to improve services for citizens and increase productivity. Smart government, relying on information and communication technology, innovation, and citizen participation, aims to transform the way public affairs are managed. The goal of this paper is to identify the critical success factors of smart government in Iran. Given the nature of the work conducted in this study, it is applied in terms of purpose. This research was carried out using a qualitative approach, specifically thematic analysis. To gain a deeper understanding of the subject, in addition to library studies and reviewing higher-level documents in this field, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Interviews were conducted with 18 experts in the field, and their opinions were gathered through in-person, telephone, or written communication. In total, from the studies conducted, 98 basic themes, 12 organizing themes, and two overarching themes were extracted using MAXQDA software. As a result, the critical success factors of smart government were categorized into two main groups (overarching themes): institutional factors and organizational factors. The institutional factors of smart government success include: smart governance, political support and commitment, policies and regulations, smart security, information technology infrastructure and standards, smart environment, and modern and smart technologies. The organizational factors include: organizational architecture, organizational capabilities, organizational values and culture, human capital, and smart and sustainable services.

E-Government, with the aim of utilizing modern technologies and data science to enhance effectiveness and improve the delivery of public services, has emerged as a crucial component of modern governance. "Fast Data" is an emerging concept that refers to data types that enable rapid identification of issues, timely decision-making, and the formulation of appropriate policies to address them in electronic governance. Therefore, the present study aims to apply the concept of fast data to improve e-government policies through a multi-phase qualitative approach, using systematic review and thematic analysis methods. The target population of the study included experts in the field of information technology and faculty members from universities in Tehran and Central provinces, specializing in policymaking, information science, and communication studies. Data collection was carried out through library studies and semi-structured interviews, with 10 experts interviewed using the snowball sampling method. Finally, the analysis of the research data led to the identification of basic, organizing, and overarching themes, and a thematic network was constructed. The results of the study reveal four key strategies for improving e-government policies: 1. “Understanding Fast Data”, which can enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of e-government; 2. “Information and Communication Technology Solutions”, which emphasize the need to improve telecommunications infrastructure, system integration, and the development of identity management infrastructure; 3. Cultural Solutions, which include raising awareness, social support, and public engagement for the adoption of fast data; and 4. Managerial Solutions, which require electronic leadership, improved urban infrastructure, and the development of organizational procedures.