Designing a Digital Transformation Model for Higher Education with a Sustainable Development Approach

Abstract

The present study aimed to design and validate a digital transformation model for higher education based on a sustainable development approach in universities and higher education institutions in Kerman. This applied study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 experts in higher education, information technology, university management, and sustainable development in Kerman, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, 286 faculty members, university managers, and educational experts were selected through stratified sampling. A researcher-developed questionnaire, designed based on the qualitative findings, was used for data collection. The quantitative data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling in SPSS and SmartPLS. The qualitative analysis identified nine principal dimensions of the proposed model: digital governance and leadership, technological infrastructure and architecture, organizational culture and readiness, human digital competencies, data management and smartization, innovation in education and research, educational equity and digital access, environmental sustainability and social responsibility, and sustainable institutional outcomes. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the reliability and construct validity of all dimensions. The structural model demonstrated satisfactory fit indices (SRMR = 0.061; NFI = 0.914). Furthermore, all hypothesized structural paths were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Digital governance and leadership significantly influenced technological infrastructure, organizational culture, and data management; organizational culture significantly affected human digital competencies; human digital competencies and data management significantly enhanced innovation in education and research; and innovation, educational equity, environmental sustainability, and data management significantly contributed to sustainable institutional outcomes. The findings indicate that sustainable digital transformation in higher education requires the integrated interaction of strategic leadership, technological infrastructure, organizational readiness, human digital capabilities, intelligent data management, educational innovation, and sustainable development principles. The proposed model provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers and university administrators to guide, implement, and evaluate digital transformation initiatives within higher education institutions.