This dissertation addresses the process of collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and citizens in the wake of digital transformation, with a focus on building public trust. The theoretical framework of collaborative governance is presented by identifying problems and obstacles related to digital transformation, especially in local government. In the empirical part, different levels of government are analysed to evaluate strategic actions aimed at social inclusion and citizen trust in the digital government system. The research also explores the characteristics of the existing literature on collaborative governance and digital transformation and contributes to the understanding of collaborative digital transformation (CDT) and its interaction with governance in the digital domain. Focusing on Indonesian digital government policies, the case studies examine the uneven nature of digital transformation due to the extensive autonomy granted to local governments. The research uses a mixed methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods to comprehensively answer the research questions. Using an exploratory, sequential approach, the results of a thorough literature review are enriched and validated by a quantitative analysis, providing a comprehensive perspective. The findings contribute to the literature, serve as a new reference focused on improving the role of local government in collaborative digital transformation, and provide greater legitimacy and public trust in the public policy process. Qualitative research shows that governments face barriers such as isolated efforts (silos) and fragmented approaches. In the context of local government, empirical results show that the success of digital transformation initiatives in West Java is due to effective collaboration and influential digital leadership. The implementation of the Penta Helix concept as a collaborative strategy, along with the establishment of the Jabar Digital Service (JDS) as a dedicated unit to manage digital transformation, plays an important role. However, there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of the digital transformation agenda due to the lack of a user-centric approach that limits the active participation of the public in the policy process. In addition, there are concerns about the potential risks associated with relying too heavily on individual leaders to drive digital transformation in West Java. The success parameters of CG and DT, based on the results of the theoretical and qualitative research, were confirmed as essential through the survey of West Java citizens. Using the empirical findings from the survey of West Java citizens, a model was developed that illustrates the interconnectedness of collaborative governance (CG) and digital transformation (DT). It illustrates how these two concepts together contribute to the overall success of Collaborative Digital Transformation (CDT). The main contribution of the research is a novel contribution for academics in the fields of public administration and political science.
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