Digital transformation in the management of higher education institutions

Digital transformation is strategically understood as the process of integrating technological innovations to achieve benefits such as operational efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and business model innovation. Like other sectors, higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly interested in this process due to the need to adapt to new business and management models. This transformation entails the strategic exploration of emerging technologies to improve performance, streamline operations, and automate processes, aligning with a society and marketplace that are increasingly technology driven. This approach allows HEIs to remain competitive and relevant. However, it also presents significant challenges for the sector. digital transformation, while inherently complex, often emphasizes specific applications without a holistic understanding of its impact on institutional management. This study seeks to examine the existing body of research on the implementation of digital transformation in HEI management. To achieve this, the study employed the Literature Grounded Theory method. Initially, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess the current state of the literature broadly. This was followed by a content analysis to explore the specific characteristics of digital transformation within the context of HEI management. The study identified and categorized 20 distinct technologies used in this process, outlined four categories of challenges associated with their implementation, systematized a set of critical success factors for the transformation of HEIs, and identified key analytical dimensions for transformation within this sector. This structured overview lays the groundwork for new research directions in digital transformation in HEI management.