<![CDATA[Purpose: This study examines the digital governance gap in Southeast Asia through a comparative analysis of Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, aiming to understand how institutional dynamics shape the uneven progress of digital transformation across developing democracies. Subjects and Methods: Using a qualitative comparative design, the research integrates institutional capacity theory with digital governance maturity models and draws on document analysis and semi-structured interviews with policymakers, ICT officials, and academic experts conducted between 2023 and 2024. Results: The findings reveal that-differences in digital governance performance stem largely from institutional and governance factors rather than technological capacity. India’s centralized coordination under its national digital strategy ensures strong policy coherence but limits local flexibility; Indonesia’s decentralized framework fosters innovation but leads to fragmented implementation; and the Philippines’ localized experimentation enhances participation yet struggles with continuity. The discussion emphasizes that digital transformation succeeds when institutions balance standardization with adaptability and participation with authority, underscoring the role of leadership stability, bureaucratic learning, and inclusive policy design. Conclusions: Overall, the study contributes to the broader understanding of digital governance in emerging democracies by demonstrating that effective digital transformation requires building adaptive and coherent institutions as much as technological infrastructure. These insights have significant implications for policymakers seeking to promote equitable, sustainable, and participatory digital governance across Southeast Asia.]]>
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