Smart governance systems have diferent needs depending on the type of organization, which, together with their inherent complexity, make them dificult to configure. However, we have not found solutions that facilitate the configuration of these systems of great interest in the public sector. We propose a configurability solution compounds of a software framework-based multi-level configuration architecture, and a feature model (FM) to represent the variability in a compact way through the configuration of the diferent levels of the same software. Thus, the FM we present allows for obtaining a line of customized services for diferent organizations. On a first level, the variability of the typical collaboration processes is managed, on a second level the diferent collaboration models are handled, and on a third and fourth level the general smart governance system is configured, and the one adapted to the specific needs of the organization. In this way, while facilitating configuration, a high degree of accuracy is achieved regarding the specific and varying needs of the diferent stakeholders.
small municipality are not the same as those in a large
city, or governance in a regional or state administration
The configurability and variability management of infor- [
In relation to e-collaboration technologies and systems, that enhances this complexity and the variety of
unexthey have an inherent complexity that is increased by the pected and changing requirements, as this is still a recent
fact that their requirements and needs vary according ifeld with respect to its implementation. Hence, the
deto the application domain, and the type of organization velopment of diferent tailor-made systems substantially
using them [
In the smart governance domain (related to the broader It is therefore desirable, to improve the reusability and
ifeld of e-government), the aim is to achieve quality pub- address this great variety by managing the variability
lic services and smart management (of territories and (which can be changeable) of a unique software or, at
societies) through a collaborative government open to least, by reducing its variants and modifications. In such
citizen, business and professional collectives, maximizing a complex environment, so is its configuration, thus it is
positive results with intensive use of Information Com- also convenient to enhance the configurability of these
munication and Technology (ICT) [
In the e-government exists a great variety of needs, works software favor variability and reusability [
ConfWS’23: 25th International Workshop on Configuration, Sep 6–7, In this context, we propose a service-oriented
con*20C2o3r,rMesáploangad,inSgpaaiunthor. ifgurability approach based on a multi-level software
$ samu31@dipusevilla.es (S. Muñoz-Hermoso); benavides@us.es framework-based configuration architecture to provide
(D. Benavides); fjdominguez@us.es (F. J. Domínguez-Mayo) a software product line (SPL); and a feature model (FM)
http://www.lsi.us.es/~dbc/ (D. Benavides); https://www.us.es/ in the domain of smart governance. The FM allows
reptrabaja-en-la-us/directorio/francisco-jose-dominguez-mayo resenting all possible configurations in a compact way
(F. J. Domínguez-Mayo) [
This paper is structured as follows: Section 2 explores order to meet the specific needs of each organization. the multi-level configuration architecture as part of the solution. In Section 3, we introduce the proposed FM to 2.2. Description describe the configuration aspects of the smart governance system related to the presented architecture. In In Figure 1, in TOGAF-ArchiMate notation1, we show Section 4, a review of related works is provided to high- a layered view with the most relevant artifacts of the light the contribution of the proposed solution to previ- architecture involved in the configuration, in which the ous research on SPL, e-government and e-collaboration diferent levels (gray) containing the diferent business topics. Finally, Section 5 concludes the paper, summariz- objects that store the configuration are observed. This ing our main findings and observations, and proposing high-level modeling is suitable for representing in a visome future research works. sual and clear way both behavioral and static storage artifacts. The shown architecture supports the proposed FM described in the next section. 2. Multi-level configuration The business layer (yellow) is service-oriented and is architecture structured in two blocks; the one on the left supports the configuration of the general e-collaboration software framework, and the block on the right ofers services to manage the configuration of the adapted smart governance framework, as well as the system that is implemented around it.
In the flat configurability approach, if a large
variability of complex systems needs to be covered, multiple
features and parameters must be considered, and it is
dificult to manage a software product line and product
customization [
In this section, we show a multi-level architecture pro- 2.2.1. Purpose of the levels
posal to support a multi-level services configuration. This
approach favors configurability and reduces the complex- Since the smart governance solution is based on general
ity of managing the associated variability [
Thus, the multi-level perspective enables division and On the other hand, smart governance is articulated
hierarchizes the configuration into diferent levels related through participatory processes that are usually typified,
to modules or system parts, requirements groups, or ser- in some cases, on the basis of citizen participation
reguvice models, facilitating the configuration, customization, lations. Therefore, it is appropriate to be able to define
and reuse of the services. and characterize these process models through a next
level (1) of configuration that will allow their adaptation
(both specific and general aspects) to the needs of the
2.1. Framework-based architecture organization. E.g. a certain process can be modeled for
In order to achieve domain adaptability, we opted for the collaborative drafting of regulations, or another for
an architecture based on domain software frameworks; participatory budgeting. Given that there are diferent
they favor the reuse and implementation of solutions, types of public institutions and diferent smart
goverin particular in the public sector [
To this end, we consider a first framework ( E- be reused and adapted for each institution. In addition, Collaboration Framework) with common characteristics these models usually involve certain types of collaboraand functionalities for the collaboration of a group of tive processes, hence their relationship with level 1. E.g. stakeholders on certain organizational assets (documents, a model could be established for small municipalities, or projects, policies, etc.). And a second framework, special- for smart cities that have collaborative needs in urban ized from the first one, focused on the particular needs projects. and services of the smart governance domain (Smart Governance Framework), such as citizen consultations, 1TOGAF is an OpenGroup IEEE standard framework for developdrafting of regulations and policies, or participation in ing enterprise architectures (https://www.opengroup.org/togaf). smart city projects. ArchiMate is a (graphical and semantic) modeling language for
In this way, the configurability of services is addressed OpenGroup’s high-mid level enterprise architecture under the through the various levels of the software frameworks TarOchGiAmFatset-aonvdearrvdie(wht)t.ps://www.opengroup.org/archimate-forum/
These two levels favor dynamic variability, since en- specific characteristics such as the duration of certain able a system in production that requires new needs, to participatory processes, participation requirements and create new types of collaborative processes or new gov- restrictions, etc. In this way, it contributes to the preciernance models, that can be easily incorporated into the sion and facility of the customization, since the configsmart governance services of a specific organization, or urations are inherited from top to bottom (through the a set of organizations using the same governance model. levels), it is possible to customize a particular entity, only
While the above levels characterize the smart gover- by modifying the diferential features at level 4. nance models with their associated processes in software frameworks, we need a level (3) of configuration relative 2.2.2. Level 0 to the specific system to be developed with the necessary particularities for use by specific organizations that Starting at configuration level 0 (general) and the block adhere to the unique reusable system. E.g. a local ad- on the left, the Collaboration Administration Service faministration could develop a system for use by various cilitates the adaptation of the e-collaboration software city councils. Furthermore, these levels make configura- framework through the setting of the general configubility more eficient, since several organizations can be ration data (E-Collaboration Framework Configuration ), customized at once, acting on levels 1 and 2 of the con- which helps to customize it in the application area. In ifguration, or on level 3 for features that globally afect addition, in the right-hand block, customization is enthe behavior of the entire system. hanced by means of the Smart Governance Administration
Based on the above, it follows that an additional level Services, for configuring specific features of the particuof configuration (4) is desirable, so that each organization lar software framework in the smart governance domain can tailor the system to its requirements, both in terms (object Smart Governance Framework Configuration ). of general and specific characteristics of the governance model and its processes. E.g. one municipality may want 2.2.3. Level 1 its participatory processes to be binding, while another may only want them to be consultative. Or regarding At level 1 (processes), the Processes Management Service in the left-hand block allows the diferent types of collaborative processes to be configured, storing the corresponding on the right-hand side, the Smart Governance Manageinformation in the object E-Collaboration Process Config- ment is the functionality that realizes the administration uration, which is part of the framework configuration. and configuration services of the system for smart govIn addition, in the right block, the Smart Governance Ad- ernance. In terms of reusability, it relies on the general ministration Services provides a finer adjustment of the administration service of the e-collaboration framework. processes, specifying a specific typology in the smart gov- Finally, in the information systems layer (light blue), ernance field, the configuration of which is stored in the the application services that support the previous busiobject Smart Governance Process Configuration . In short, ness functionalities are included; E-Collaboration Manthis first level manages the variability of collaborative agement Application Service for the general configuration processes, both in general and domain-specific. of e-collaboration, and Smart Governance Management Application Service for the specific configuration of smart 2.2.4. Level 2 governance services, which also relies on the previous one to enhance reuse.
In order to achieve greater variability, similarly at level 2 (models), the same services of the respective frameworks facilitate the creation of a product line related to the e-collaboration and smart governance models (or organization types) that are established. The corresponding configurations are stored respectively in the objects ECollaboration Model Configuration and Smart Governance Model Configuration . 2.2.5. Level 3
In this section, to complete our configurability solution, we propose a FM (Figure 2) to represent the variability of smart governance solutions with respect to the defined configuration levels, which can be implemented based on the configuration architecture of the previous section.
The FM considers the five configuration levels to obtain a family of customized products down to the specific system level of the organization.
First, we outline the key features common to the entire line of smart governance systems and, second, those that may vary for each specific system.
Level 3 (system), allows obtaining a specific smart
governance type system, based on the framework with the
desired features, in relation to the collaboration models
to be supported, the types of processes, and other
characteristics that were already specified in the previous
configuration levels. The configuration of these features 3.1. Common features
is transferred to the system and other domain-specific
features are added and stored in the Smart Governance The system ofers, on the one hand, common services
System Configuration object. Thus, at this level, we se- for e-collaboration in any type of organization and
applilect a product type and a customized SPL product that cation domain (E-Collaboration Common Services), and
provide a set of personalized smart governance services. on the other hand, in the context of the study,
domainspecific services ( Smart Governance Services). These two
2.2.6. Level 4 groups are mandatory in any configuration, because
these general services are necessary to accomplish any
The last level 4 (organizational), enables a configuration process related to smart governance. Nevertheless, these
adapted to the specific needs of each organization adher- must be customized to adapt to the organization’s needs,
ing to the system. To this end, through the Smart Gover- through their features and subgroups, some of them are
nance Administration Services, the system and framework optional.
configurations are inherited to be customized respec- It is also mandatory to establish the e-collaboration
tively in the objects organizational Smart Governance model to be used with its features, as well as the
speSystem Configuration and Organizational Smart Gover- cific characteristics of typical collaborative processes
nance Framework Configuration , which will make up the to be used in the model. The variable cardinality of
complete and specific configuration of the organization’s E-Collaboration Model and E-Collaboration Process,
insystem. creases configurability, by making it possible to define
a set of models, and for each of them, diferent types of
2.3. Services realization processes, covering levels 1 and 2 of configuration that
we discussed in the previous section; that is, diferent
services depending on the models and types of collaborative
processes that they implement. This multi-level approach
to FM, in which these feature trees can be considered as
If we go down the business layer, in the left block, we can
see how the E-Collaboration Management functionality
(functional part of the e-collaboration framework) is the
one that performs the aforementioned services. Similarly,
separate but linked FMs, allows the high complexity of cally those that ofer support to knowledge management
these highly variable systems to be better managed [
In the particular application area, because of the need inference.
for information from the environment, the system cannot In the field of smart governance, apart from the specific
operate in isolation (being part of a software ecosystem), services ofered, governance can be extended to urban
and therefore the group System Integration is mandatory. processes and projects by activating the Urban Process
Within this group (in Figure 2 is collapsed), the feature Services and Urban Project Services, as the latter is required
Organizational Systems & Services is mandatory, as the for collaboration in the former2.
system must interoperate with other existing informa- The group Graphical User Interface (GUI) is not
mandation systems in the organization (e.g. basic citizenship tory, as an existing external interface layer can be chosen.
data and identification services). However, we do not If the system GUI is selected, a choice can be made
beconsider a requirement the integration with other ex- tween a web interface, a mobile interface, or both; for
ternal services (External Global Services feature) such as increased interoperability and accessibility from any
desocial networks or messaging services, although it would vice.
provide more information to the system. These features act at levels 0, 3, and 4 for entity-level
customization of both the smart governance system and
3.2. Variable features the software frameworks on which it is based.
In relation to level 1, we highlight within the group
In relation to e-collaboration common services, a multi- E-Collaboration Process two features that extend
eentity system (Multientity) can be chosen, to be used collaboration, thus the Decision Service will enable
independently in diferent entities or organizations and decision-making (DM) by the collaborators, which will
customized in each one of them. The features Legal Con- optionally enable an evaluation of the same with the
trol and Ethic Control, will activate respectively the con- activation of the feature Assessment Service. For
efectrol mechanisms to favor the regulatory compliance of tive individual and collective decision-making, it is also
the domain and the organization, and its ethical values. necessary to activate technical capabilities such as the
To this end, the system must be able to model and store DM Support feature, whose group Technical Capabilities
them like rules in a knowledge database. So these
characteristics require, as we can see in Figure 2, the activation 2An urban process usually develops projects in the implementation
of some technical features (Technical Capabilities), specifi- phase from ideas to proposed solutions [
As for the optional features of the collaboration models processes. For example, in a context where several city (E-Collaboration Model), there are some that, with their councils need governance based on participatory conactivation, enhance the capabilities (and also the complex- sultations and surveys, a E-Collaboration Model could be ity) of the model: Project-oriented enable e-collaboration defined with the desired features and with both types at project and project phase level (required if Urban of processes (E-Collaboration Process) with their specific Project Services are activated). Networked-Processes al- characteristics (Process Specific Features ) already configlows the creation of more complex collaborative pro- ured. cesses based on simpler ones, or to relate processes to In this way, this model would simply have to be actieach other, forming a network to interoperate between vated in each organization; it would also be possible to them. customize some of the features of the process or model
The Multilevel feature extends collaboration to the dif- in a specific entity. In addition, new process-specific feaferent decision-making levels of the organization (strate- tures can be added to address dynamic variability more gic, tactical, and operational), which combined with the accurately, due to stakeholders’ changing needs and tasks, previous feature and the Multientity feature, supports as these are mostly related to participatory processes. more complex and transversal processes in diferent or- It therefore, has clear advantages over the traditional ganizations to solve common problems. lfat approach, as it would involve repeating the same
The Agile feature introduces an agile approach to col- configuration work over and over again for each feature laboration through feedback between the diferent phases and entity, and the reuse of the configuration would be of e-collaboration, and even with other networked col- more consistent, or if some standardization of processes laborative processes. This feature, together with the pre- is desired, which is desirable in public administration. vious one (Multilevel), in the field of smart governance, facilitates dynamic collaboration throughout the public policy cycle. 4. Related works
The Data-driven feature favors collaboration and decision-making based on evidence or objective data, In the literature review, we have not found any articles requiring the activation of the technical capacity DA Sup- that specifically address the problem of configurability port that we will see below. Enhanced by the influence of in smart governance. Nor have we found proposals for the expertise and qualification of the collaborators ( Qual- multi-level configurations in the more general domain ikfiendowfleeadtgueret)o, ibne tphreomdeoctiesdioinn- mthaekfi ninaglrpersoucltessso,fitthaelldoew-s of He-ogwoveevrenr,mweenht.ave identified some e-government studcisions. Both features contribute, in smart governance, ies that although they do not focus on improving configto a citizen-centric government. urability, do address how to facilitate the development
As a final representative feature of the model, smart and adaptation of these e-government systems to
difassistance (Smart Assistance) is envisaged, in order to ferent needs through Software Product Line (SPL) and
support informed and efective decision-making. This domain frameworks [
Finally, the group of optional features Technical Capa- a general model for e-governance systems; furthermore,
bilities (some of which are required by other models and they establish a division by front-ofice or back-ofice
processes), enhances addressing complex collaboration software, and another by applications typology:
Govand decision-making problems by including technical ca- ernment to Government (G2G), Government to Business
pabilities [
In short, as in [
The Feature-Model (FM) and the architecture that supports it, proposed in this work, facilitate multi-level service-oriented configurability (at the level of the gen- Acknowledgments eral e-collaboration software framework and its processes, the particularized framework in the domain, and This work was supported by the VII Own Plan research the smart governance system), product line configura- aid from the University of Seville, FEDER/Ministry of Scibility (each model can be considered a product for a ence and Innovation/Junta de Andalucía/State Research particular type of smart governance or institution), and Agency with the following grants: Data-pl(PID2022multi-entity configurability (supporting diferent config- 138486OB-I00) , TASOVA PLUS research network urations for each organization). Therefore, from a single (RED2022-134337-T) and METAMORFOSIS (FEDER_USsoftware system, through reuse and configuration, it is 1381375) possible to obtain a significant dynamic variability of services for e-collaboration and in particular for smart governance. Moreover, the Learning Capability and AI References Support features will enable an autonomous configuration to evolve the system towards configurations more adapted to the organizations.
Concerning other related proposals, ours focuses on the specific problem of configurability from a general perspective by providing several complementary methods and techniques integrated into the solution: multi-level configuration architecture, domain software frameworks, SPL and FM; as well as TOGAF-Archimate as formal modeling framework.
The preliminary results show that the configurability architecture proposed in the present study contributes to the general area of e-collaboration, and in particular of smart governance, to facilitate the characterization and configuration of these systems, also favoring their reusability, and adaptability with respect to the particular and varying needs of the diferent stakeholders and organizations.
Since we have not carried out a systematic review of other possible configurability solutions in other areas, a follow-up to this work could be to conduct such a study to establish possible relations and synergies. Another future work could be envisaged to further specify the configuration architecture and the FM, aimed at developing software prototypes, either in general, in the specific domain of smart governance, or another application area.
The development of a prototype for a given use case (e.g. a governance system for a specific city council) would help to validate our contribution. To this end, quantitative performance metrics (e.g. related to the time spent on configuration processes, its complexity, or ac