Digital transformation outcomes in higher education: pilot study in Latvia

Abstract

Considering that the higher education sector has a great potential for digital transformation, it is necessary to investigate driving factors and barriers for transformation processes. The goal of the paper is to evaluate DT outcomes in higher education institutions (HEI), perceived by academic and administrative staff members. The authors conducted a pilot survey among the staff members of Latvian HEIs. Most respondents consider a 'development of new educational products/improvement of existing products' as a result DT in HEI. Besides, DT is perceived as a tool to increase HEI competitiveness globally, to improve work efficiency and internal business processes, and to make education more available. At the same time, less than half of the respondents agree that the result of DT is 'student retention'. The results of the research will be used for further investigation of DT issues, specifically for study on staff resistance to DT implementation.