The present research was carried out following the guidelines and principles established for the systematic review of a qualitative approach, descriptive in nature, under the PRISMA method, using the Scielo, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Redalyc databases as search engines, using specific terms as keywords, which ensured the inclusion of relevant studies (Table 1). The choice of using this approach to address the objective of the study was based on its ability to systematically integrate and synthesize relevant information from previous research. This methodology allows for a critical analysis of the existing evidence, identifying trends, patterns, and gaps in the scientific literature, and obtaining solid and reliable conclusions (Pardal-Refoyo and Pardal-Peláez, 2020). The essential steps followed to conduct this review included identification of the research question, literature search in recognized academic databases (Codina and Lopezosa 2022), study selection, data extraction, and synthesis of results (Villasís-Keever et al., 2020).

The research question was important to clearly define the objective and scope of the systematic review (Marín, 2022). In this case, it focused on analyzing the current state of implementation of Digital Government in Peru in the context of the State Modernization Policy. Thus, a general question was formulated as follows: What is the progress in the implementation of Digital Government initiatives in Peru under the framework of the State Modernization Policy? And a specific question: What are the main trends guiding the implementation of Digital Government in Peru?

Table 1
Academic search engines

Note: Own elaboration

An initial filtering process was performed by reviewing the titles and abstracts obtained from the literature search. Then, the selected articles were read to determine their relevance and their adherence to the previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria made it possible to select the most relevant studies for the research objectives (Table 2).

Table 2
Criteria for item selection

Note: Own elaboration

The combination of these search engines guarantees a homogeneous search of the scientific and technical literature related to the implementation of Digital Government in Peru within the framework of the State Modernization Policy. By using these search engines, it was expected to identify relevant and varied studies that address the topic of Digital Government, providing information on the status of this governmental strategy in the country. The application of the PRISMA method (Figure 1) made it possible to synthesize and analyze the information gathered to provide a basis for future decision-making and public policies related to Digital Government in Peru.

Figure 1
PRISMA Flowchart

Note: Own elaboration

The systematic review of the sources resulted in the initial location of 291 research articles published in the last five years. In the second case, 16 articles were selected from 4 databases. Finally, it should be noted that we included works found in the Google Scholar database with 6, Scopus with 4 articles, 4 in Scielo, and 2 in Redalyc. Figure 2 shows the percentage distribution of articles by database.

Figure 2
Percentage distribution of articles according to database
Note: Own elaboration

Figure 3
Percentage distribution of articles according to language
Note: Own elaboration

Figure 4
Percentage distribution of articles by year of publication
Note: Own elaboration

First, the analysis focused on 16 academic publications on Digital Government in the Peruvian context. In these, several trends were identified where significant progress was observed in the adoption of digital technologies to improve government efficiency and the provision of citizen services. However, they also highlighted challenges in the consummation of Digital Government, as well as the need to promote digital inclusion and adequately manage knowledge in the governmental sphere.

In each article analyzed, the results and contributions were examined. In this sense, the findings obtained showed the type of Digital Government implementation in the context of the State Modernization Policy. Studies such as Roseth et al. (2018) have shown the relevance of evaluating the implementation of Digital Government in different dimensions to understand its scope and effectiveness.

In this order of ideas, the qualitative findings obtained from the analysis of the academic publications considered are presented. Through the systematic review of the selected studies, valuable findings were obtained that shed light on the state of Digital Government in the Peruvian context. The results presented in Table 3 show a diversity of trends that enrich the understanding of the adoption and impact of information and communication technologies on public management and citizen services.

Table 3
Qualitative Findings

Note: Own elaboration

These findings provide an overview of the level of implementation of Digital Government in the Peruvian context and offer valuable information for future research, as well as for the outline of guidelines and maneuvers that promote an effective modernization of the State through digital technologies, improving the effectiveness and fragility of public goods for the benefit of all citizens.

In a palpable context, Digital Government and its integration into the State Modernization Policy have been the subject of detailed scrutiny in various academic studies within the Peruvian context. Thus, three studies were found that highlight significant challenges in the adoption of digital technologies in the governmental sphere. Márquez et al. (2022) explored digital citizen participation during crisis management by COVID-19. Machuca-Vílchez et al. (2023) focused on knowledge management in government programs focused on women, while Rodríguez (2021) analyzed Digital Government in local governments in Latin America.

On the other hand, seven publications addressed various aspects of Digital Government in the Peruvian context. Rodríguez and López (2023) investigated the relationship between Digital Government, modernization of the State, and citizen services. Huamán and Medina (2022) analyzed the digital transformation in public administration and its challenges for active governance. Feijoo et al. (2022) conducted a case study on ICT services in a provincial municipality. Rentería et al. (2019) focused on the challenges of e-government implementation in public institutions. Valenzuela et al. (2023) analyzed how the implementation and development of digital government has been in Latin America. Valenzuela (2019) explored the transformation of service delivery using TOGAF and Archimate in a government agency in Peru. Cuno et al. (2021) developed a Digital Identity management model for the Peruvian State.

Among the documents reviewed, six publications highlighting successful examples of the adoption of digital technologies in the Peruvian government were found. García-Estrella et al. (2022) studied the use of open data and open government in national and local governments. Jiménez et al. (2022) presented a collaborative platform to improve e-government in public entities. Paiva et al. (2019) evaluated the maturity of e-government in the Metropolitan Area of Lima. Julião et al. (2022) analyzed financial inclusion through digital banking in Peru. Vicente et al. (2022) investigated the digitalization and satisfaction of Peruvian users with their civil registry offices.

Finally, Espinoza et al. (2023) investigated citizens' perception of municipal Digital Government. These publications show a diverse picture regarding the implementation of Digital Government in the Peruvian context. While some studies highlight significant advances, others emphasize the need to address challenges and obstacles to achieve a more efficient and effective implementation. These findings provide a solid foundation for future research and the design of strategies to promote effective modernization of the State through Digital Government.

The first trend highlighted is the importance of digital transformation in public administration and e-government. Studies by Vicente et al. (2022) and Jiménez et al. (2022) have revealed how the digitization of public services can have a significant impact on citizen satisfaction and improve government efficiency through the use of collaborative platforms. This predisposition highlights the need to adopt information technologies to improve the delivery of services to citizens and optimize the internal processes of government institutions.

Another relevant trend is the crucial role of information technologies in the modernization of government institutions. The study Valenzuela, et al. (2023) highlights how technological advances in different Latin American countries are essential to improve the efficiency and quality of government services. This trend emphasizes the need to take advantage of information and communication technologies to optimize management and decision-making in government institutions.

However, during the analysis, challenges in the implementation of Digital Government have also been identified. The study by Rentería et al. (2019), has highlighted the existence of obstacles and barriers that must be overcome to ensure an effective transition to a more digitized government. This trend underscores the importance of addressing and resolving the challenges that may arise in the process of adopting digital technologies.

In addition, the digitalization of financial services has been identified as an important trend in the Peruvian context, which goes beyond financial inclusion through digital banking. Studies such as those by Julião et al. (2022) and Valenzuela (2019) have evidenced how information technologies can expand the accessibility and availability of financial products for the population. This perspective highlights the relevance of facilitating equitable access to financial solutions for all segments of society, taking advantage of digital tools. Promoting financial inclusion and education, as well as fostering innovation to design products tailored to users' needs, are key aspects to materialize the potential of digital transformation in this strategic sector.

In the same approach, knowledge management has also been identified as an essential aspect in the government context. The study by Cuno et al. (2021) has proposed a model for managing digital identity and modernizing the state. Likewise, the work of Machuca-Vílchez et al. (2023) has investigated knowledge management in government financial education programs for women.

These trends emphasize the importance of promoting education and access to financial information for all citizens, as well as the need to adequately manage knowledge in the governmental sphere. In this regard, Huáman and Medina (2022) have explored the possible difficulties that may arise in digital transformation. In this way, they elaborate an analysis focused on the challenges of digital and active governance.

At the local and regional level, a propensity has been found in the implementation of digital technologies in local governments and the adoption of open data, to improve service delivery and increase transparency and accountability. Studies by Paiva et al. (2019), Garcia-Estrella et al. (2022), and Feijoo et al. (2022) have examined these aspects and highlighted their relevance for improving governance and interaction between government and citizens at the local level.

In addition to all this, citizen perception of municipal digital government has been identified as a key factor in strengthening trust in government institutions. Studies such as those by Rodríguez and López (2023) and Rodríguez (2021), have explored citizen satisfaction concerning the digital services offered by the public sector, highlighting their relevance for improving government efficiency and legitimacy. Along these lines, the research conducted by Márquez et al. (2022) argues that citizen participation is fundamental in the processes of digital transformation of the State and for compliance with the standards of a Digital Government.

However, it is important to clarify that digitization does not necessarily entail a modernization of government processes, since there are cases in which the hasty incorporation of technologies can hinder more comprehensive initiatives of institutional innovation. Therefore, a strategic vision is required to guide the adoption of digital solutions so that they effectively contribute to modernizing and improving public services in areas such as efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centeredness.

In reflection, the findings of the various research studies analyzed reflect important trends in Digital Government in Peru, including the need to adopt information technologies, overcome challenges in their implementation, promote financial inclusion, adequately manage knowledge, promote transparency, accountability and strengthen citizen confidence in government institutions through efficient and accessible digital services.

Another relevant indication is the crucial role of information technologies in the modernization of government institutions. The Valenzuela, et al. (2023) study highlights how public agencies continue to present problems despite having the necessary technological tools and implements. This should also be considered to improve the efficiency and quality of government services since this trend emphasizes the need to take advantage of information and communication technologies to optimize management and decision-making in government institutions.

However, during the analysis, challenges in the implementation of Digital Government have also been identified. The study by Rentería et al. (2019) has highlighted the existence of obstacles and barriers that must be overcome to ensure an effective transition to a more digitized government. This trend underscores the importance of addressing and resolving discrepancies that may arise in the process of adopting digital technologies.

In addition, financial inclusion through digital banking is a relevant trend in the Peruvian context. The study by Julião et al. (2022) and Valenzuela (2019) has shown how information technologies can improve the accessibility and availability of financial services for the population. This approach highlights the importance of promoting equal access to financial services through the use of digital technologies.

Knowledge management has also been identified as an essential aspect in the government context. The study by Cuno et al. (2021) has proposed a model for managing digital identity and modernizing the State. Likewise, the work of Machuca-Vílchez et al. (2023) has investigated knowledge management in government financial education programs for women. These trends underscore the importance of providing access to financial education and information for all citizens and the need to manage knowledge favorably in government. In this regard, Huamán and Medina (2022) have explored the possible difficulties that may arise in digital transformation. In this way, they elaborate an analysis focused on the challenges of digital and active governance.

At the local and regional level, a trend has been found in the implementation of digital technologies in local governments and the adoption of open data to improve service delivery and increase transparency and accountability. Studies by Paiva et al. (2019), Garcia-Estrella et al. (2022), and Feijoo et al. (2022) have examined these aspects and highlighted their relevance for improving governance and interaction between government and citizens at the local level.

Finally, citizen perception of municipal digital government has been identified as a fundamental factor in strengthening trust in government institutions. Studies by Rodríguez and López (2023), Rodríguez (2021), and Espinoza et al. (2023) have explored citizen satisfaction with digital services and state modernization, and have highlighted their importance in improving government efficiency and legitimacy.

Accordingly, the research conducted by Márquez et al. (2022) argues that citizen participation is necessary and vital for the digitization of the State and compliance with Digital Government standards. In summary, the findings detected from the various research studies analyzed project fundamental guidelines for the modernization and continuous improvement of government and the provision of services to citizens.