Digital competence and knowledge management readiness in post-pandemic higher education institutions in Aceh, Indonesia

This study aims to examine the relationship between digital competence and knowledge management (KM) readiness in higher education institutions, addressing the limited integration of these constructs in developing-region contexts and their role in post-pandemic institutional transformation. A quantitative descriptive–inferential design was employed. Data were collected from 250 respondents, including lecturers, administrative staff, and students across 12 public and private universities, using validated instruments adapted from the Knowledge Management Process Questionnaire (KMSP-Q) and the European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp). Pearson correlation and independent samples t-tests were used to analyse relationships and group differences. The findings revealed significant positive associations between key dimensions of digital readiness and perceived KM readiness. Technological support demonstrated the strongest correlation with knowledge sharing (r = 0.62, p < 0.01), while HR training was positively associated with team reflexivity (r = 0.58, p < 0.05). Overall, digital competence was at a moderate level (mean = 58.2), with public universities reporting significantly higher perceived KM readiness than private universities (p < 0.05). The study is limited to a single regional context and a cross-sectional design. Future research may adopt comparative and longitudinal approaches to further examine institutional transformation dynamics. The findings provide actionable insights for higher education leaders to strengthen digital capability, organisational learning, and KM governance to support sustainable digital transformation. This study contributes to the literature by offering an integrated perspective on digital competence and KM readiness in developing-region universities, positioning these constructs as interdependent drivers of knowledge-based transformation and providing transferable insights for global higher education research.