Construction and validation of an instrument for qualitative analysis of GovTech ecosystems

Purpose GovTech ecosystems refer to environments where governments collaborate with companies and other actors, using innovative and digital technologies to deliver solutions to complex public problems. Given the need for methods to understand this phenomenon, the objective is to present a proposal for a tool for qualitative analysis of GovTech ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach We used a systematic literature review (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses -PRISMA protocol) together with the Content Validity Coefficient (CVC), proposed by Hernandéz-Nieto (2002), to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the content of the qualitative data collection instrument. Eight experts in public innovation participated in the validation, attesting to the clarity of language, practical relevance, theoretical relevance and semantic validation. Findings The final instrument, consisting of 41 items with satisfactory psychometric properties, has 3 main dimensions: (1) design centered on GovTech ecosystem actors' engagement (actors involved, competencies, preferences and modes of interaction); (2) design centered on the means for GovTech development (material transformation activities, information processing, intellectual knowledge processing and contractual or relational services) and (3) design centered on GovTech Outcomes (nature of innovation and public value generated by GovTech solutions). Originality/value It deepens the debate, still lacking in the literature, on GovTech ecosystems through the proposal and validation of an instrument developed specifically for its qualitative analysis. It enables integrated analysis of multiple actors, interactions and dynamics characteristic of GovTech ecosystems to support the formulation of public policies and strengthening strategies, as well as to promote a more effective alignment between technological innovations and social demands.