Digital transformation has become an indispensable driver of intelligent societal development, yet its implementation faces fragmented approaches across sectors. This study develops a holistic capability framework integrating technological infrastructure, organizational agility, and societal inclusivity through a systematic literature review (n=187) and cross-sector case analysis (public, private, and non-profit). The findings identify three core capability clusters—techno-ethical governance, adaptive leadership, and inclusive digital ecosystems—as critical enablers. The framework addresses gaps in existing research by bridging micro-level organizational practices with macro-level societal impacts. Practical implications for policymakers, organizational leaders, and technology developers emphasize human-centric transformation strategies that balance innovation with equity. This research contributes to the Intelligent Society discourse by providing a unified framework for sustainable digital transformation.

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Generative AI (GenAI) has emerged as a transformative force in intelligent societies, yet its rapid proliferation poses unprecedented governance challenges—from algorithmic bias and misinformation to labor market disruptions. This study develops a multistakeholder collaborative governance framework integrating government regulators, technology developers, civil society, and end-users through a mixed-methods approach: a systematic literature review (n=214), 32 expert interviews, and three in-depth case studies (EU AI Act implementation, OpenAI’s Governance Board, and India’s GenAI for Public Good Initiative). The findings identify four core governance pillars—Proactive Regulation, Technological Safeguards, Stakeholder Co-Creation, and Adaptive Oversight—that address GenAI’s unique risks while unlocking its inclusive potential. The framework bridges gaps in existing research by moving beyond siloed governance models to emphasize dynamic, cross-sector collaboration. Practical implications for policymakers, developers, and civil society highlight the need for trust-centric governance that balances innovation with societal well-being. This research contributes to intelligent society discourse by providing a actionable roadmap for responsible GenAI adoption at scale.

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Digital transformation has emerged as a pivotal driver of intelligent urbanization, reshaping social interactions, governance structures, and economic systems worldwide. This study explores the synergistic relationship between digital technologies and urban development, analyzing case studies from 12 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It identifies key enablers (e.g., 5G infrastructure, big data analytics, artificial intelligence) and barriers (e.g., digital divide, privacy concerns, institutional inertia) to inclusive intelligent society building. Findings reveal that successful digital-urban integration requires cross-sector collaboration, adaptive policy frameworks, and a human-centric approach. The research contributes to theoretical discourse on smart cities and provides practical insights for policymakers aiming to leverage digital tools for sustainable urbanization.

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As digital transformation reshapes intelligent societies, inclusive governance has emerged as a critical determinant of equitable development. This study examines how governments, civil society, and private actors collaborate to ensure digital innovations benefit marginalized populations—including low-income groups, persons with disabilities, and rural communities—across 10 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Drawing on 80 stakeholder interviews and policy analysis, it identifies three core governance models: participatory co-design, regulatory safeguards, and targeted capacity-building. Findings indicate that successful inclusive governance requires integrating digital tools with local contextual knowledge, addressing structural inequalities beyond technical access, and fostering accountability across sectors. The research contributes to debates on digital equity by proposing a “multilevel inclusion framework” that bridges technological innovation and social justice, offering actionable insights for policymakers seeking to build more equitable intelligent societies.

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The global digital transformation has created unprecedented opportunities for economic growth, social connectivity, and public service innovation, yet marginalized communities in the Global South remain disproportionately excluded from these benefits. This study focuses on low-income groups, persons with disabilities, rural populations, and women in 8 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, exploring the unique barriers to digital inclusion in resource-constrained contexts and evaluating the effectiveness of context-adaptive governance strategies. Drawing on 65 stakeholder interviews, policy analysis, and household surveys with 1,200 participants, the research identifies four interconnected barriers: inadequate infrastructure access, limited digital literacy tailored to local needs, cultural and gender-based exclusion, and institutional fragility. It further proposes a “context-centric inclusion governance model” that integrates bottom-up community engagement, flexible regulatory frameworks, and innovative public-private-community partnerships (PPCPs). Findings indicate that initiatives grounded in local cultural norms, leveraging low-cost technological adaptations, and strengthening community-led institutions achieve 38% higher rates of sustained digital inclusion compared to top-down, one-size-fits-all approaches. The study contributes to global debates on digital equity by highlighting the need to center the lived experiences of marginalized communities in governance design, offering actionable insights for policymakers, civil society, and development partners seeking to bridge the digital divide in the Global South.

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