An exploration of agile government in the public sector: A systematic literature review at macro, meso, and micro levels of analysis

Originating from private sector software development, agile has permeated the public sector, fostering innovative reforms not just in project management but also in organizational management and collaborative governance. Despite its widespread adoption, there exists a paucity of research delving into the intricacies of agile practices, particularly for the potential conflicts and interactions with the traditional waterfall-based approaches. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, this systematic review aims to address three fundamental research questions concerning the conceptualization, implementation, and impacts of agile government. To deepen theoretical insight and practical application, our study classifies agile into three distinct levels: Micro (project management), Meso (organizational management), and Macro (governance structure). Our analysis uncovers substantial variations in agile practices across these levels, reflecting a deliberate strategy aimed at harmonizing with existing bureaucratic systems. This study concludes by offering policy implications and delineating avenues for future research endeavors.