Digital innovation adoption under wartime conditions: Enacting entrepreneurial orientation through proactive intergovernmental bureaucratic mechanisms

IMPACTThis article will be of value to public managers, digital government practitioners, emergency management professionals, local government executives, chief information officers, and officials responsible for intergovernmental co-ordination. Drawing on evidence from 175 local governments during wartime conditions, the study demonstrates that the success of emergency digital transformation depends not only on the availability of technology but also on proactive bureaucratic engagement. The findings show that direct outreach, hands-on support for implementation, and the active removal of administrative barriers can significantly accelerate digital adoption, particularly among local governments with limited digital capacity. The article highlights practical strategies that central government agencies can use to strengthen local preparedness, improve the uptake of digital tools, and foster collaborative relationships during crises. More broadly, it suggests that proactive intergovernmental support can serve as a mechanism for building trust and enhancing resilience across levels of government. These insights offer actionable lessons for practitioners seeking to improve emergency response capabilities and implement digital innovation under conditions of uncertainty.