Academic contributions to policymaking across the policy cycle: a systematic review of Malaysian university research supporting national digitalization

This article presents a systematic literature review (SLR) that investigates how digitalization-related research from Malaysian research universities contributes to the policymaking process across six stages of the policy cycle: agenda setting, formulation, legitimization, implementation, evaluation, and review. A total of 30 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed and categorized using the policy cycle framework to uncover the depth and distribution of academic engagement in digital policy development. The findings reveal that research universities contribute most prominently to policy formulation and implementation, offering empirical models, stakeholder analyses, and actionable recommendations in areas such as education, agriculture, healthcare, finance, and innovation. Notably, significant contributions also emerge at the agenda-setting stage, where studies identify policy gaps related to STEM education, digital inclusion, and youth engagement. However, the review highlights a critical absence of academic involvement in the legitimization stage and minimal engagement in policy review, suggesting institutional disconnects that hinder full-cycle policy influence. By applying the policy cycle as an analytical lens, this study offers conceptual clarity and strategic insights into the science-policy interface. It underscores the need for more inclusive, longitudinal, and cross-sectoral mechanisms to translate academic research into sustainable and impactful policy outcomes, especially in developing country contexts like Malaysia, where research-driven governance is essential for national digital transformation.