Muhammad Febrilian Dwi Syahputra, Rinda Faiz Shabira, E.R. Mahendrawathi
Inclusivity is a key principle in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in accelerating Digital Transformation (DT). Gender imbalance remains both understudied, particularly within the design and execution of digital projects. This study presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) that examines how gender imbalance factors emerges in DT projects, and how such imbalances impacts on project innovation. Based on 31 peer-reviewed studies, the review identifies three key thematic dimensions: (1) structural and institutionalized biases in digital work culture, (2) fragile support ecosystems for women in DT projects, and (3) inclusive innovation as a sustainability enabler. These themes are synthesized through the Gioia methodology and integrated into four analytical layers: women’s career decisions, organizational dynamics, DT project ecosystems, and institutional policy. The layered structure illustrates how barriers to inclusion are distributed vertically from individual level constraints to systemic policy gaps, reinforcing exclusion across the digital value chain. Findings reveal that gender equality is not only a matter of social justice but also a driver of innovation quality, team adaptability, and long term digital sustainability. This study contributes a novel perspective by positioning gender balance as a foundational design principle in digital transformation. In doing so, it offers actionable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to build more inclusive and resilient digital futures. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia; Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
