DATA-DRIVEN COMMUNICATION IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY CAMPAIGNS: STRATEGIES FOR ICT-ENABLED PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND POLICY IMPACT

Abstract

This study systematically reviewed the role of data-driven communication in economic recovery campaigns, emphasizing the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in shaping transparency, accountability, and public engagement. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, the review examined 134 studies published between 2000 and 2024, encompassing theoretical contributions, empirical case studies, and policy reports. The findings demonstrate that data-driven communication is no longer a peripheral activity but a central mechanism for legitimizing recovery policies and fostering citizen trust. ICT infrastructures such as big data analytics, social media platforms, mobile applications, and open data portals function as dual-purpose systems: they disseminate policy information while simultaneously generating feedback loops that inform adaptive governance. Evidence revealed that participatory tools—including crowdsourcing, participatory budgeting, and digital deliberation—enhance legitimacy and compliance, although digital divides and inequalities continue to constrain inclusivity. The review also identified significant challenges related to misinformation, algorithmic opacity, and accountability in hybrid public–private recovery arrangements. Comparative insights highlighted that while OECD countries focus on predictive modeling and data integration, many Global South contexts employ hybrid digital–offline channels to broaden reach. Importantly, the review underscored that policy impact is greatest when communication translates complex economic indicators into accessible, citizen-oriented narratives and demonstrates coherence across health, labor, and financial sectors. Research gaps were also identified, particularly in terms of methodological limitations, geographic imbalances, and the need for interdisciplinary frameworks linking ICT, governance, and economic analysis. Overall, this study concludes that data-driven communication has emerged as a cornerstone of evidence-based governance in economic recovery, demanding technological innovation, ethical safeguards, and inclusive design to strengthen resilience, equity, and democratic legitimacy.