Digital transformation and gender equality in public administration: an analysis of NRRP policies and implementation

Purpose. Digital transformation is reshaping how public administrations operate, with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies playing a growing role in the management and delivery of public services. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) offers a strategic opportunity to modernize the Italian Public Administration (PA) and to foster more equitable and inclusive access to digital resources. However, administrative digitalization alone does not automatically ensure the overcoming of gender disparities. Without deliberate inclusion strategies, technological innovations risk reinforcing existing inequalities. This study analyzes the extent to which the NRRP, specifically through Mission 1, Component 1 (M1C1), has integrated gender equity objectives into PA digitalization initiatives. Methodology. Adopting a qualitative content analysis (QCA) approach, this research examines a sample of ten Public Calls for Proposals issued by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Department for Digital Transformation (PCM-DTD) portal and manually coded based on two analytical dimensions: (1) compliance with NRRP horizontal principles, and (2) adherence to EU legal obligations on gender equality. Special attention was paid to the use of gender-aware language, objectives, and evaluation mechanisms. Findings. The analysis reveals that all ten calls formally acknowledge gender equality in line with the NRRP's horizontal principles. However, such references are typically generic and are not translated into concrete requirements or measurable criteria. The reviewed calls lack any form of operationalization, such as gender-disaggregated indicators or structured evaluation mechanisms. Furthermore, binding EU legal provisions on gender equality are merely mentioned, without detailed elaboration or integration into project evaluation frameworks. This superficial treatment limits the enforceability of equity commitments and reflects a broader institutional gap between legal mandates and their practical implementation in the digitalization of the public sector. Originality/value. This study offers a novel contribution to the literature on public sector innovation by introducing a gender-sensitive perspective into the analysis of digital transformation policies. It critically reflects on the risks of procedural formalism and emphasizes the need to embed gender equality principles more deeply into digital public investments. The findings provide actionable insights for policy- makers aiming to leverage technological innovation as a true vector for social inclusion and equity. Limitations. The study is limited by its qualitative nature and the small sample size focused solely on Italian cases. Moreover, the analysis is restricted to document-based data without empirical validation through project outcomes or stakeholder feedback. Future research should integrate quantitative measures and fieldwork to assess the real-world impact of digital transformation initiatives on gender inclusion and explore comparative studies across different EU contexts.