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Barriers to the digital transformation of infrastructure sectors

Author

Listed:
  • Liliane Manny

    (ETH Zürich
    Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology)

  • Mert Duygan

    (Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
    University of Basel
    EPFL ENAC IIE HERUS)

  • Manuel Fischer

    (Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
    University of Bern)

  • Jörg Rieckermann

    (Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology)

Abstract

Digital technologies can be important to policy-makers and public servants, as these technologies can increase infrastructure performance and reduce environmental impacts. For example, utilizing data from sensors in sewer systems can improve their management, which in turn may result in better surface water quality. Whether such big data from sensors is utilized is, however, not only a technical issue, but also depends on different types of social and institutional conditions. Our article identifies individual, organizational, and institutional barriers at the level of sub-states that hinder the evaluation of data from sewer systems. We employ fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to compare 23 Swiss sub-states and find that two barriers at different levels can each hinder data evaluation on their own. More specifically, either a lack of vision at the individual level or a lack of resources at the organizational level hinder the evaluation of data. Findings suggest that taking into account different levels is crucial for understanding digital transformation in public organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Liliane Manny & Mert Duygan & Manuel Fischer & Jörg Rieckermann, 2021. "Barriers to the digital transformation of infrastructure sectors," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 54(4), pages 943-983, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:policy:v:54:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s11077-021-09438-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11077-021-09438-y
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