ABSTRACT
Digital transformation in public administration has emerged as a fundamental tool in combating corruption by enhancing transparency and accountability. E-government applications facilitate citizens’ access to public services and reduce arbitrariness in bureaucratic processes. This study examines the relationship between e-government development levels and perceived corruption by analyzing panel data from 175 countries between 2012 and 2021. Employing the Driscoll-Kraay estimation method, we demonstrate that e-government applications significantly reduce corruption by enhancing transparency and accountability in public services. Our findings indicate that a 0.1-unit increase in the e-government index corresponds to an approximately 0.28-unit improvement in the corruption perception index. Additionally, factors such as regulatory quality, voice and accountability, and per capita income are also effective in preventing corruption. While confirming e-government’s effectiveness as an anti-corruption tool, the results highlight the necessity of complementary institutional reforms. The study emphasizes that technological solutions are insufficient on their own and must be integrated with robust governance mechanisms.
