DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN FINNISH HIGHER EDUCATION: A PERSPECTIVE FROM A UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES.

This paper describes digital transformation in Finland from the perspective of a mid-sized university of applied sciences in western Finland, outside the capital city area. Higher education institutions (HEIs) compete amongst themselves, both locally and globally, in terms of student and staff recruitment, government funding, and research funding. In addition, networking with companies and other organizations is a key part of HEIs' strategies and actions. We consider the steps that HEIs have taken toward digital transformation, the drivers behind digital transformation, and the factors that affect HEIs' management strategies. Although the digital transformation process started over 30 years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major driver of digital transformation in Finnish HEIs. The results of our case study show that an HEI's funding is of critical importance and provides the ground for setting the performance indicators in HEI management. Finally, climate change and sustainability are factors that will further affect the higher education system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]