DIGITAL POLICIES: A STEP FORWARD FROM DIGITAL GOVERNMENT CONCEPT

This paper reviews the evolution of digital government as a concept shaped by both technological innovation and social transformation. Early definitions were largely focused on service delivery through online portals, described in models such as Layne and Lee's four stages and Fountain's G2C, G2B, and G2G interactions. A second stage, associated with open government, emphasized transparency, participation, and trust, while international organizations highlighted the need for governance and regulatory frameworks. The third stage reflects the impact of artificial intelligence, big data, and data-driven decision-making, while the smart city agenda emerged in parallel, linking urban innovation, sustainability, and quality of life. The review argues that traditional service-level typologies are no longer sufficient to explain current developments. We propose reframing digital government as digital policies, i.e., state-wide strategies aimed at creating public value and governing public goods. This perspective highlights digital transformation as a policy domain that addresses societal challenges across individuals, groups, communities, and the environment.