Review article Q2
The critical success factors of GDPR implementation - a systematic literature review
Gonçalo Teixeira (Teixeira, G.); Miguel Mira da Silva (Mira da Silva, M.); Rúben Pereira (Pereira, R.);
Journal Title
Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance
Year (definitive publication)
2019
Language
English
Country
United Kingdom
More Information
Web of Science®

Times Cited: 35

(Last checked: 2026-04-12 10:39)

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: 4.7
Scopus

Times Cited: 59

(Last checked: 2026-04-08 00:16)

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: 3.3
Google Scholar

Times Cited: 131

(Last checked: 2026-04-13 02:16)

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Abstract
Purpose: The digital paradigm people live in today, which drastically increased the consumption of data, is a threat to their privacy. To create a high level of privacy protection for its citizens, the European Union proposed the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which introduces obligations for organizations regarding the storing, processing, collecting and disclosing of data. This paper aims to identify the critical success factors of GDPR implementation. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted by following a strict review protocol, where 32 documents were found relevant to perform the review and to answer to the proposed research questions. Findings: The critical success factors of GDPR implementation were identified, including barriers and enablers. Furthermore, benefits of complying with GDPR were identified. Research limitations/implications: As GDPR is a relatively recent subject, there are still few scientific papers about it. Therefore, the authors were unable to neither identify nor present a robust conclusion regarding specific topics, such as practical outcomes. Originality/value: On the basis of the literature, the identified critical success factors may be useful for organizations as these can be better prepared to achieve compliance by prioritizing the enablers and avoiding the barriers.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Critical success factors,Barriers,Organizations,Implementation,Enablers,GDPR
  • Computer and Information Sciences - Natural Sciences
  • Economics and Business - Social Sciences
Funding Records
Funding Reference Funding Entity
UID/Multi/04466/2019 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia