<p>How can the digitalization of fiscal operations (<i>GovTech</i>) support more efficient budget processes and public expenditure delivery? A simple framework identifies three channels—greater transparency, lower administrative costs, and improved targeting of social assistance—and generates testable predictions. These predictions are evaluated using cross-country panel data, extending insights from the micro-experimental literature to the macro level. Fixed-effects regressions show that digital budget payments and e-procurement are associated with higher budget transparency and broader social assistance coverage among the poor. However, adopting GovTech strategies alone is insufficient to unlock these gains. Causal forest estimates reveal substantial heterogeneity: with the largest gains in social transfer coverage in countries that have enabling institutions such as digital identification systems. Digital connectivity exhibits nonlinear effect-strong at low levels of access but yielding diminishing returns once near-universal coverage is achieved. These results highlight the importance of sequencing GovTech with foundational enablers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.</p>

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Enhancing efficiency of public expenditure through GovTech

  • Manabu Nose

摘要

How can the digitalization of fiscal operations (GovTech) support more efficient budget processes and public expenditure delivery? A simple framework identifies three channels—greater transparency, lower administrative costs, and improved targeting of social assistance—and generates testable predictions. These predictions are evaluated using cross-country panel data, extending insights from the micro-experimental literature to the macro level. Fixed-effects regressions show that digital budget payments and e-procurement are associated with higher budget transparency and broader social assistance coverage among the poor. However, adopting GovTech strategies alone is insufficient to unlock these gains. Causal forest estimates reveal substantial heterogeneity: with the largest gains in social transfer coverage in countries that have enabling institutions such as digital identification systems. Digital connectivity exhibits nonlinear effect-strong at low levels of access but yielding diminishing returns once near-universal coverage is achieved. These results highlight the importance of sequencing GovTech with foundational enablers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.