This article surveys and analyzes the actual introduction and utilization of digital competency frameworks in administrative organizations in Nordic countries. This article covers a research report published by the Administrative Information Systems Research Institute on July 17, 2025, providing detailed analysis of the actual introduction and utilization of frameworks related to digital competency (knowledge, skills, and mindset for utilizing digital technology and connecting to results) in administrative organizations in Denmark and Norway, known as e-government advanced countries.
The survey method involved direct interviews with administrative staff and experts in both countries, investigating and analyzing practical initiatives at work sites. Specifically, it comprehensively verified the components of various frameworks and models, implementation processes, and application methods for human resource development, while conducting comparative analysis including institutional and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, it specifically explains advanced activity content actually undertaken at work sites for human resource development and organizational transformation.
Denmark and Norway are known as countries leading the world in administrative digitalization, where improvement of government employees' digital competency is promoted organizationally and systematically. In these countries, emphasis is placed on comprehensive capacity development for realizing improved administrative service quality and operational efficiency using digital technology, beyond mere IT skill acquisition. Particularly, comprehensive approaches including not only technical knowledge but also mindset formation such as adaptability to change and creative thinking are adopted.
The report consists of three parts: overview, main text, and materials, comprehensively covering from theoretical analysis to practical case studies. This aims to present specific knowledge and insights that Japan's public sector can reference. Lessons learned from Nordic countries' experiences include the importance of organizational culture transformation, establishment of continuous learning systems, and performance measurement systems.
The ultimate goal of this research is to provide practical guidelines for promoting administrative DX in Japan. Referencing advanced cases from Nordic countries, it presents specific insights regarding challenges and future directions for digital competency acquisition that Japan's public sector should address. The article concludes that for Japan's administrative organizations to succeed in digital transformation, it is essential to integrally advance not only technology introduction but also human resource development and organizational culture transformation.