Institutional integrity has become an important pillar for achieving sustainable governance and implementing UN 2030 Agenda. The relationship between the indicators of integrity and the SDGs is insufficiently studied in Romania, so this paper provides an analysis of the alignment between the indicators of institutional integrity and SDGs with reference to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The paper is set to formulate a mapping matrix between ethical, transparency and digital integrity mechanisms to SDG targets based on web-based data to support how the local public institutions consider the incorporation of integrity mechanisms into the wider sustainability agenda. The research is based on mixed methodology with a content analysis of the institutional reports and the statistical correlation between the scores of integrity and the corresponding SDG targets that are currently set. The analysis gives empirical insight into the contribution of data-driven policymaking in institutional integrity to larger EU strategies of inclusive and sustainable governance. Early results indicate a moderate-to-high degree of institutional adherence to integrity norms and municipalities, which are more ethically oriented in terms of integrity levels, are also more advanced in digital governance or citizen participation practices. Good procurement ethics, information openness and governance that is citizen-facing are found to be the drivers of policy coherence for sustainable development. Geographic inequalities contribute towards performance, but the performance is in relation to administrative capacity and a proactive model of governance. In contrast, the weak integrity is positively associated with fragmented implementation of the SDGs and lower public trust. The results highlight the increased correspondence between integrity-based governance and SDG framework. The conclusions canbe used as an evidence base as by policymakers to share the strategies of enhancing digital integrity platforms (e-integrity), conflicts of interest and digitization of administrative processes.
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Alignment between institutional integrity indicators and the Sustainable Development Goals. Case study: Romania
Published:
30 January 2026
by MDPI
in The 1st International Online Conference on Administrative Sciences
session Public Management
Abstract:
Keywords: Institutional integrity; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Ethical and digital governance; Transparency and accountability; Data-driven public administration
