Low-Cost, Modular, and Scalable IT Architectures for Public Sector Digital Governance: A Systematic Literature Review and the DG-LITE Framework

Abstract

Public-sector digital governance requires IT architectures that are sustainable, scalable, and adaptable within fiscal and institutional constraints. While cloud computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence influence system design, empirical synthesis of implemented architectures is limited. This study presents a systematic literature review of 26 implemented public-sector IT systems published between 2020 and 2026. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, records were retrieved via Google Scholar using Publish or Perish and coded by sector, architecture type, technology stack, workflow automation, and evaluation methods. Findings indicate centralized (26.9%) and modular/enterprise architectures (23.1%) dominate, while decentralized (15.4%) and AI-native systems (15.4%) are emerging. National agencies favor modular integrated systems, whereas LGUs rely on centralized web-based designs. Technology trends show web-centric systems, growing cloud adoption, blockchain experimentation, and AI/RPA integration. Evaluation emphasizes functional testing and usability, with limited governance-impact assessment. Based on these insights, the DG-LITE framework is proposed for low-cost, scalable, and evaluation-ready digital governance systems.