Jisc toolkit enables a people-centred approach to digital transformation, new report finds
The 'how to approach digital transformation in higher education' report takes findings from 12 in-depth case studies from higher education institutions across the UK.
The report was brought together following a 2024 research pilot which validated the success factors for effective digital transformation highlighted in Jisc’s Digital transformation toolkit.
The toolkit is made up of a web guide, a framework and a maturity model, that supports organisations to embed digital holistically across all areas of their organisation. It was developed in consultation with a range of UK professional bodies and with a senior leaders working group of more than 450 members. This approach ensures it reflects sector priorities and links to key UK HE models and frameworks already in use.
This report, and the associated case studies and video interviews, shows how the toolkit is being used to support a wide range of digital change initiatives, including assisting with the development of organisational digital strategies, benchmarking whole-organisation digital maturity, and supporting the development of new learning and teaching programmes.
The report and case studies were launched at the ‘embedding AI in higher education: innovation, integration and impact’ event, which is part of Jisc’s demonstrating digital transformation series, hosted by Queen’s University, Belfast. The launch featured the premiere of a video case study of the Queen’s team, outlining their co-creation of a new AI strategy for the institution, supported by Jisc’s digital transformation toolkit. The remaining three events in the demonstrating digital transformation series will take place around the country in the coming months.
The 12 case studies feature Bath Spa University, University of Chester, City St George’s, University of London, Université Côte d’Azur, France, University of Hull, University of Manchester, Queen’s University Belfast, Royal Northern College of Music, Sheffield Hallam University, University of St Andrews, University of Westminster and University of Worcester.
Professor Judy Williams, pro vice chancellor for education and students, Queen's University Belfast said:
“As pro vice chancellor I'm responsible for the strategy for education and students. But to really make that step change and transformation in the student journey, I need to be able to work and embed AI and digital transformation across the whole of the university. Jisc’s framework enabled me to do that, creating shared languages and shared understanding, so that colleagues understood what it was we were trying to do and could agree the way forward with one vision, one plan that everybody's working towards. That's been transformative for us as a university.”
Heidi Fraser-Krauss, Jisc chief executive officer, said:
“The number one challenge with getting a successful digital transformation is to think about culture and people. Jisc’s toolkit really highlights that. It talks about technology very little. It talks about people, process, culture, skills, capabilities, and leadership. Those are the important things that organisations need to focus on. Technology is just a tool and this toolkit helps organisations use it effectively to transform.”
Sarah Knight, Jisc director of digital transformation, said:
“We wanted to help institutions engage with digital transformation to bring about a positive impact for the sector. One of the many challenges in higher education today is the funding constraints and the challenges around resourcing. Our pilots have shown that careful investment into small scale projects can lead to some big changes – helping to identify opportunities for improving educational excellence, boosting collaboration and using data to make the right decisions.”