Global Surveys on Digital Transformations
As a global Association with members in all regions of the world, the IAU has a unique position to monitor global trends and share best practices. In the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 the IAU conducted an Open Consultation to monitor the current state of digital transformation within higher education institutions (HEIs). The initial consultation led to the production a report entitled: Higher Education in the Digital Era: The Current State of Transformation Around the World, which was released in January 2020, a few months prior to onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic. This stocktaking exercise also served the development of the 2022 Policy Statement on Transforming Higher Education in a Digital World for the Global Common Good.
Second Global Survey on the State of Digital Transformation of Higher Education
After several years of rapid digital transformation particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAU was pleased to launch the second Global Survey on Digital Transformation of Higher Education to monitor transformations in 2024. Most higher education institutions around the world are confronted with the following challenges:
Leveraging Digital Developments: How can digital advancements be harnessed to enhance teaching and learning, meeting the changing expectations of students?
Exploring Generative AI: How to explore the benefits of generative AI while limiting the risks?
Embracing Open Science: Is Open Science a priority for the institution, and if so, how to implement it in practice?
Ensuring Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Are the necessary measures in place to ensure a safe online environment and protect the data privacy of both staff and students?
These are the types of questions that the IAU is exploring through the survey to take stock of the current state of digital transformation. The aim is to assess how ongoing technological developments are contributing to broad transformations in higher education and broad participation from higher education institutions is essential to ensure that we have ample data to monitor current trends both globally and across the different world regions.
The 2nd IAU Global Survey Report on the Digital Transformation of Higher Education is expected to be published in late 2025.
First Global Survey on the State of Digital Transformation of Higher Education
Higher Education in the Digital Era: The current state of transformation around the world - 1st IAU Global Survey Report (January 2020)
The first global survey on digital transformation was launched in 2019 and it led to the report: Higher Education in the Digital Era: The current state of transformation around the world (January 2020). This report constitutes an important source of information about the state of digital transformation prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is outlining the important risk of inequalities, ethical implications and the need to jointly leverage the potential of technological developments for a sustainable future.
Expert Advisory Committee on Digital Transformation
For the preparation of the IAU Global Surveys on Digital Transformation, it is crucial to collaborate with experts from various regions around the world. Their diverse input is essential not only for designing a robust and comprehensive questionnaire but also to ensure that the survey is both globally comprehensive and comprehensible. Additionally, working with these experts helps ensure that all regions of the world are accurately represented in both the survey itself and the data it generates, fostering a truly global perspective.
Other Editions of the Global Survey Series
Global Surveys on Covid-19
From 2020-2021, the IAU monitored the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Higher Education. Two global surveys were conducted in order to track changes in higher education institutions behavior in response to the pandemic and its effects. In particular, these surveys and their corresponding reports focused on the impact of the pandemic on universities digital transformation and internationalization policies and practices.
All Global Surveys
The IAU regularly conducts surveys and produces reports on three of its priority areas: Internationalization, Sustainable Development, and Digital Transformation. In addition, the Association occasionally produces situation specific surveys and reports.
