INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES AND STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR ADVANCING DIGITAL COMPETENCIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The rapid evolution of digital technologies is reshaping the landscape of higher education and demanding institutions to align their policies and practices with the skills required for a knowledge-based economy. Within the Kosovo higher education system, fostering digital competencies has emerged as a strategic priority to enhance teaching, learning, research, and graduate employability. This paper explores how institutional policies, and strategic directions can drive the systematic development of digital skills in higher education. It examines the current policy frameworks, highlights key challenges and identifies opportunities for further advancement. The study emphasizes the need for coherent governance, inclusive digital transformation, and sustainable investment to ensure higher education institutions can adapt to technology trends. Ultimately, the paper argues that advancing digital competencies is not only a technological imperative but also a strategic enabler for quality, equity, and international competitiveness in Kosovo’s higher education system.