In an era of rapid technological advancement, digital transformation has emerged as a critical driver reshaping human resource management in public sector organizations. While talent management has long been a cornerstone in the private sector, the public sector faces unique challenges—including bureaucratic rigidity, limited resources, and evolving workforce expectations—that complicate efforts to attract, retain, and develop skilled personnel. Today, talent management strategies must strike a balance between technological innovation and human-centric approaches that prioritize employee well-being, engagement, and ethical considerations. Despite growing scholarly interest, research on talent management in the context of digital transformation within the public sector remains fragmented across disciplines and methodological approaches.
To address this gap, the present study employs a bibliometric analysis, using the Bibliometrix R package, to systematically map the literature on digital transformation and talent management in public administration. Findings reveal a significant acceleration of academic output from 2020 onward, coinciding with the pandemic-driven digitalization of public services.
Thematic analysis highlights innovation, sustainable development, leadership, and perception as core emerging themes, alongside rising interest in AI and knowledge management. However, areas such as employee well-being, lifelong learning, and digital inclusion remain underexplored.
This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the evolving academic landscape, underscoring the need for future research to integrate both technological and human dimensions of talent management in the public sector. In doing so, it contributes to advancing a more resilient, agile, and inclusive public workforce capable of navigating the challenges of digital transformation while enhancing public value and citizen trust.