La gobernanza y la optimización del gasto público. Una revisión de literatura

Abstract

Introduction/Objective: This study aims to explore the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between governance and the optimization of public expenditure. Methodology: A bibliometric analysis was conducted in Scopus to examine the evolution of the topic, followed by a systematic review in Scopus, WOS, and Dimensions. Empirical studies addressing the relationship between governance and public expenditure were selected using rigorous quality criteria. The Prisma diagram was applied for the systematic review. Results: The bibliometric analysis revealed a growing research interest since 2011, highlighting the contributions of key authors such as Baldersheim, Canh, and Ståhlberg. Compliance with bibliometric laws was observed, and semantic analysis identified clusters linking governance with expenditure efficiency. The systematic review uncovered a widespread consensus: good governance, characterized by effectiveness, transparency, corruption control, and citizen participation, leads to an optimization of public expenditure outcomes. Empirical findings converge on five main blocks: governance as a catalyst for the impact of public expenditure, governance for greater sectoral efficiency of expenditure, public expenditure targeting vulnerable populations and associated governance, the moderating role of institutions and governance quality, and governance mechanisms to optimize public financial management. Conclusions: There is solid theoretical and empirical support indicating that the incorporation of principles of democratic, participatory, and transparent governance is crucial for efficiently directing public expenditure towards economic and social development. Future research should examine the relative weight of the various dimensions of governance and their impact on the optimal allocation of expenditure across different sectors.