Digital transformation towards sustainability in higher education: state-of-the-art and future research insights [Scholarly Article - Environment, Development and Sustainability, January 2023]

Title:

Digital transformation towards sustainability in higher education: state-of-the-art and future research insights

 

Authors:

Laís Viera Trevisan, João Henrique Paulino Pires Eustachio, Bárbara Galleli Dias, Walter Leal Filho & Eugênio Ávila Pedrozo

 

Published:

Environment, Development and Sustainability, 5 January 2023

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-022-02874-7

Abstract:

The technological revolution has contributed to environmental and social issues around the world. However, in the context of higher education institutions (HEIs) – key stakeholders for sustainable development - there is a theoretical gap regarding systematic reviews on the topic. In order to address this need, this study explores how digital transformation (DT) can contribute to sustainability in HEIs by identifying the general state of the art, the theoretical perspectives in the field, and future research insights. A multi-methods approach was adopted, which consisted of a quantitative bibliometric review and a qualitative content analysis. Consistent with this approach, the Scopus database was used for the bibliometric analysis of 672 publications, which was conducted with the support of VOSviewer software. Subsequently, a content analysis of 72 publications was carried out using the software ATLAS.ti and Zotero. The findings suggest three areas of current research: ensuring sustainability competencies through DT, smart and sustainable campus approaches, and theorisation of sustainability in higher education through DT. The theoretical perspectives of the field were divided and discussed into seven main clusters. Lastly, five research lines for further studies on DT towards sustainability were identified. This study has both theoretical and practical implications since it may be the first literature review on this subject, providing theoretical insights to the academic community, guiding sustainability and digital practices in HEIs - through the identification of tools, approaches, and strategies - and then supporting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

 

University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa - UP and Amazon Web Services Institute team up to bring major digital transformation initiative to the public sector in South Africa

Title:

UP and Amazon Web Services Institute team up to bring major digital transformation initiative to the public sector in South Africa 

By:

Hlengiwe Mnguni

 

Published:

University of Pretoria, 25 July 2022

https://www.up.ac.za/news/post_3090059-up-and-amazon-web-services-institute-team-up-to-bring-major-digital-transformation-initiative-to-the-public-sector-in-south-africa-

 

Form the news article:

In a bid to accelerate digital transformation in South Africa’s public sector, the University of Pretoria (UP) and the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Institute teamed up for the first time to host an executive education programme, for senior government officials and leaders of state-owned enterprises.  

2020: The Year the COVID-19 Crisis Brought a Cyber Pandemic [Government Technology, 12 December 2020]

Title:

2020: The Year the COVID-19 Crisis Brought a Cyber Pandemic

Author:

Dan Lohrmann

Published:

Government Technology, 12 December 2020

https://www.govtech.com/blogs/lohrmann-on-cybersecurity/2020-the-year-the-covid-19-crisis-brought-a-cyber-pandemic.html

From the article:

2020 will be remembered as a uniquely disruptive year — but not just for a global health crisis. Online life was digitally transformed, as exponential change accelerated at home and work via cyberspace.

Short Article: Looking Back to See the Future of Higher Education

Title:
Looking Back to See the Future of Higher Education

Author:
Nathalie Mainland

Published:
Saleforce.org, 17 January 2020

From the article:
"With so much growth in online learning, it’s important to note that college completion still matters. Between 2010 and 2019, the labor market consists primarily of those with bachelor’s degree or above (15 million workers), according to Thomson Reuters.

Given these major shifts from the past decade, digital transformation in higher ed is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have. By innovating and connecting with students in seamless, personalized ways, institutions can deliver more impactful and relevant learning experiences."

To read this article:
https://www.salesforce.org/looking-back-to-see-the-future-of-higher-education/