Artificial Intelligence-Driven E-Government systems: a bibliometric analysis of adoption and impact studies

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of research on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and e-government, focusing on adoption and impact between 2020 and 2024. It aims to identify key trends, influential contributors, and emerging themes to understand the evolution of this multidisciplinary field. The analysis used 1,877 records extracted from the Scopus database on 20th November 2024, restricted to journal articles published in English from 2020 to 2024. Tools such as VOSviewer and Biblioshiny were used to analyze citation patterns, co-authorship networks, and keyword trends. The study reveals a surge in publications post-2021, reflecting the growing importance of digital initiatives, particularly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key themes include user acceptance, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and digital accessibility. Highly cited works focus on challenges such as infrastructure readiness, inclusivity, and trust in AI adoption. Recurring keywords like "smart governance" and "digital inclusion" underscore the societal implications of AIin governance. However, notable gaps exist, such as limited studies in developing nations and a lack of longitudinal research on societal impacts. The analysis is limited to Scopus-indexed articles and quantitative bibliometric indicators. Future studies should expand to other databases and incorporate qualitative insights. This study offers a comprehensive view of trends and gaps in the field, providing actionable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners focused on AI-driven e-government initiatives.