The impact of digital technologies on university regulatory practices

Objective: The article explores the impact of digital technologies on university regulatory practices, focusing on how the digital transformation affects the managerial and operational aspects of higher education institutions. The goal is to analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of digital tools in the regulation of universities. Methodology: A qualitative-quantitative approach was adopted, consisting of a literature review and an expert survey conducted via email. Experts in the field of higher education regulation were surveyed to gather their insights on the challenges faced by universities during the digital transformation process. The responses were processed using Kendall's coefficient of concordance to assess the consistency of the opinions. Originality: The study is unique in its focus on the specific operational problems universities encounter when reporting to higher education regulators amidst the growing influence of digital technologies. It also offers a forward-looking perspective on how digital tools, such as the Integrated Information System for Higher Education and Science (IISHES) and the Unified Anti-Plagiarism System (UAPS), could reshape regulatory practices in the education sector. Results: The findings reveal several key challenges, including the labor-intensive nature of digital reporting, the need for stronger digital competencies among university staff, and the financial burden of implementing and maintaining IT systems. The study also highlights the potential of digital tools to streamline processes, reduce human intervention in data processing, and enhance the accuracy of reporting. Conclusion: The article concludes that the successful digital transformation of university regulatory practices will require a balanced approach, taking into account both the benefits and potential risks of increased digitalization. While digital tools offer numerous advantages, such as improved efficiency and data management, they also introduce challenges related to data security, financial costs, and organizational readiness.