Communication Pathways in Multilevel Governance: A Review of Digital Innovation and Public Value

Authors

  • Xi Tang Masters, School of Ethnology and Sociology, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China Author
  • Kex Zena Fillip Masters, Business School, Department of Finance, University of Michigan, United States of America Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52152/RCR.V13.S9

Keywords:

Multilevel Governance, Digital Communication Pathways, E-Government Innovation, Public Value, Digital Innovation

Abstract

This study reviews communication pathways in multilevel governance, focusing on the role of digital innovation in shaping public value. The purpose was to examine how political communication is mediated digitally, how media technologies support governance innovation, and how digital channels contribute to public value through legitimacy, accountability, and trust. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the PRISMA framework, narrowing an initial pool of studies to 12 recent, peer-reviewed articles. Thematic analysis identified three key areas: digital mediation of political communication, the role of media technologies in governance innovation, and public value creation. Findings indicate that digital tools enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and responsiveness but remain limited by structural capacity gaps, inequality, and weak feedback mechanisms. The results confirm that technology must be embedded within strong institutional frameworks to realize its full potential. The study contributes to theories of deliberative democracy, public value, and socio-technical systems by showing how digital communication reshapes governance relationships. Future research should expand cross-country and longitudinal comparisons to deepen understanding of evolving digital governance dynamics.

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Published

2025-09-29

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