Zagirniak Denys, Doctor of Economics, Professor, The Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance, Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University, Kremenchuk, Ukraine

ORCID: 0000-0002-7009-8635
e-mail: deniszagirniak@gmail.com

Khovrak Ivan, Postgraduate student, Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University, Kremenchuk, Ukraine

ORCID: 0000-0001-6211-6437
e-mail: ivankhovrak@gmail.com

Managing Digital Transformation in Higher Education Institutions: a Conceptual Model and a Multidimensional Digital Maturity Monitoring System

Abstract. Introduction. The rapid digitalisation of higher education, accelerated by global crises such as the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, has exposed the strategic, technological and organisational weaknesses of many institutions. These challenges have emphasised the urgent requirement for robust, consistent, and flexible models to manage digital transformation. In this context, achieving digital maturity requires not only technological implementation, but also strategic management, cultural alignment, and institutional capacity.

Purpose. This article aims to propose a comprehensive conceptual model for managing digital transformation in HEIs that combines strategic vision, digital infrastructure, and human capital. This model is based on five guiding principles: strategic leadership and coherence; digital culture, competencies, and stakeholder engagement; data governance and analytics; process integration and interoperability; and institutional resilience, continuity, and cybersecurity.

Results. The model integrates three fundamental components — strategy, ICT and people — and two cross-cutting elements — governance and maturity assessment — supported by four operational dimensions: policy and regulation; platforms and services; analytics and decision support; and infrastructure and security. It proposes a matrix-based digital maturity monitoring system that assesses readiness, integration and performance across three core functional areas: education, research and administration. This system aligns with European digital education frameworks and has been adapted to the volatile environment of Ukrainian higher education institutions (HEIs).

Conclusions. The model and monitoring system provide higher education institutions (HEIs) with a flexible and strategic toolkit for managing digital transformation in conditions of limited resources and high uncertainty. This approach supports comprehensive assessment and informed planning, as well as data-driven decision-making. It also strengthens institutional resilience and aligns digital trajectories with European integration processes.

Keywords: digital transformation; higher education management; digital maturity; strategy; resilience; monitoring; matrix model.

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