Background & Purpose: The emergence of advanced digital technologies and the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in the public sector have made organizational smartification a critical requirement for governmental transformation. However, technology-centered approaches that overlook human, social, and organizational dimensions may constrain its effectiveness. This study aims to develop a multidimensional conceptual model explaining the factors influencing the smartification of Iranian public sector organizations.
Methodology: This exploratory qualitative study employed systematic grounded theory based on the Strauss and Corbin approach. Data were collected through 28 semi-structured interviews with managers, specialists, and researchers in emerging technologies, digital transformation, and organizational management from Iran, Germany, and Italy. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Purposive and theoretical sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved.
Findings: Organizational smartification emerged as a dynamic, multidimensional socio-technological phenomenon shaped by the interaction of technological, organizational, human, and environmental factors. A total of 87 concepts, 17 subcategories, and 6 main categories were identified. Informational, environmental, and organizational pressures emerged as key drivers, while technological and organizational factors provided contextual conditions. Human and managerial factors, technological mediation, interorganizational interactions, and environmental requirements influenced the implementation process. Strategies such as transformational leadership, employee training, user participation, managerial support, and an innovation-oriented culture facilitated sustainable smartification.
Conclusion: Organizational smartification should be understood as a multilevel transformation process rather than merely a technological project. Its success depends on effective change management, organizational readiness, stakeholder engagement, managerial capabilities, and alignment among technology, human capital, organizational structures, and the institutional environment.