Logo PTI Logo FedCSIS

Communication Papers of the 21st Conference on Computer Science and Intelligence Systems (FedCSIS)

Annals of Computer Science and Information Systems, Volume 49

Phase-Dependent Drivers and Cumulative Institutional Impacts of Digital Transformation Adoption in Saudi Public Universities

, , ,

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15439/2026F4340

Citation: Saleh Z Alshehri, , ,

Full text

Abstract. Digital transformation (DX) adoption in Saudi public universities is shaped by centralised governance and national policy, notably Vision 2030, which existing Western models often fail to capture. This study examines and extends the Digital Transformation Adoption framework (DXA-SPU) through a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, combining structural equation modelling of survey data with thematic analysis of interviews with senior IT leaders. Results reveal that adoption is governed by Phase-Dependent Drivers: national mandates and Strategy trigger the initial decision, while Collaboration and Coordination facilitate implementation. We further identify Cumulative Institutional Impacts, in which operational gains in Efficiency and Infrastructure precede later improvements in Teaching and Institutional Performance. Theoretically, the study reconceptualises governance structure as the determinant of factor timing; methodologically, it shows how explanatory mixed-methods resolve non-significant survey paths; practically, it offers university leaders a staged template for managing digital change. As a cross-sectional, single-country study, it invites longitudinal and comparative validation.

References

  1. Tang, D. 2021. “WHAT is digital transformation?” EDPACS 64:9–13, https://doi.org/10.1080/07366981.2020.1847813.
  2. Kane, G.C., D. Palmer, A.N. Phillips, D. Kiron, N. Buckley. 2015. “Strategy, not technology, drives digital transformation”
  3. Vial, G. 2019. “Understanding digital transformation: a review and a research agenda” The Journal of Strategic Information Systems 28:118–144, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2019.01.003.
  4. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 2018. “Saudi Vision 2030.” https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en. Online.
  5. National Transformation Program. 2024. “Beyond ambition: national transformation program annual report 2024”
  6. Alghamdi, A. 2022. “Digital transformation within Saudi education system: 2020 and beyond” The Educational Review, USA 6:419–425, https://doi.org/10.26855/er.2022.08.014.
  7. Singh, A., H.P. Singh, F. Alam, V. Agrawal. 2022. “Role of education, training, and e-learning in sustainable employment generation and social empowerment in Saudi Arabia” Sustainability 14:8822, https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148822.
  8. Alhubaishy, A., A. Aljuhani. 2021. “The challenges of instructors’ and students’ attitudes in digital transformation: a case study of Saudi universities” Education and Information Technologies 26:4647–4662, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10491-6.
  9. Khawaji, T.M. 2023. “Digital transformation requirements at Saudi universities from faculty members’ perspectives” International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security 23:8–20, http://paper.ijcsns.org/07_book/202311/20231102.pdf.
  10. Benavides, L., J. Tamayo Arias, M. Arango Serna, J. Branch Bedoya, D. Burgos. 2020. “Digital transformation in higher education institutions: a systematic literature review” Sensors 20:3291, https://doi.org/10.3390/s20113291.
  11. Tornatzky, L.G., M. Fleischer, A.K. Chakrabarti. 1990. The processes of technological innovation. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.
  12. Davis, F.D. 1989. “Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology” MIS Quarterly 13:319–340, https://doi.org/10.2307/249008.
  13. Alshehri, S.Z., N. Beloff, M. White. 2025. “Digital transformation in Saudi public universities: a novel framework for adoption drivers and impact analysis” in 2025 20th Conference on Computer Science and Intelligence Systems (FedCSIS), pp. 87–98, https://doi.org/10.15439/2025F8917.
  14. Bygstad, B., E. Øvrelid, S. Ludvigsen, M. Dæhlen. 2022. “From dual digitalization to digital learning space: exploring the digital transformation of higher education” Computers & Education 182:104463, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104463.
  15. García-Morales, V.J., A. Garrido-Moreno, R. Martín-Rojas. 2021. “The transformation of higher education after the COVID disruption: emerging challenges in an online learning scenario” Frontiers in Psychology 12, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.616059.
  16. Fountain, J.E. 2001. Building the virtual state: information technology and institutional change. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press.
  17. Dunleavy, P. 2005. “New public management is dead--long live digital-era governance” Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory 16:467–494, https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/mui057.
  18. Verhoef, P.C., T. Broekhuizen, Y. Bart, A. Bhattacharya, J.Q. Dong, N. Fabian, M. Haenlein. 2021. “Digital transformation: a multidisciplinary reflection and research agenda” Journal of Business Research 122:889–901.
  19. Abolhassan, F. 2017. The drivers of digital transformation. Cham: Springer International Publishing, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31824-0.
  20. Almatrodi, I., D. Skoumpopoulou. 2023. “Organizational routines and digital transformation: an analysis of how organizational routines impact digital transformation transition in a Saudi university” Systems 11:239, https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11050239.
  21. Omar, A., A. Almaghthawi. 2020. “Towards an integrated model of data governance and integration for the implementation of digital transformation processes in the Saudi universities” International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications 11, https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2020.0110873.
  22. Abdulrahim, H., F. Mabrouk. 2020. “COVID-19 and the digital transformation of Saudi higher education.” Asian Journal of Distance Education 15:291–306.
  23. Alotaibi, N.S. 2022. “The significance of digital learning for sustainable development in the post-covid19 world in Saudi Arabia’s higher education institutions” Sustainability 14:16219, https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316219.
  24. Creswell, J.W., V.L.P. Clark. 2017. Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
  25. Braun, V., V. Clarke. 2006. “Using thematic analysis in psychology” Qualitative Research in Psychology 3:77–101, https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa.
  26. Al-Khudairi, Z.I. 2026. “Digital transformation and its influence on the marketing strategies of Saudi universities التحول الرقمي وأثره على] [استراتيجيات تسويق الجامعات السعودية” مجلة العلوم التربوية و الدراسات الإنسانية 53:439–470, https://doi.org/10.55074/e9fkat12.
  27. IMARC Group. 2025. “Saudi Arabia higher education market: industry trends, share, size, growth, opportunity and forecast 2025-2034.”
  28. Al-Umairi, S.S.M., W.A.A. Muhdar. 2025. “Mechanisms of digital transformation to achieve competitive advantage in Saudi universities: an analytical study [آليات التحول الرقمي لتحقيق الميزة التنافسية في الجامعات السعودية: دراسة تحليلية]” Journals of Qualitative Education 38, https://doi.org/10.21608/raes.2025.421112.
  29. Ayoub, H. 2025. “Education as the engine of Saudi Vision 2030” The EDiT Journal, TI - Education as the engine of Saudi Vision 2030: scaling digital transformation.
  30. Saeed, M., R. Taher. 2026. “The effectiveness of digital transformation in enhancing institutional performance in higher education institutions” Arado Business Journal 1:91–110, https://doi.org/10.64190/abj.1.2.2026.14.
  31. National Transformation Program. 2021. “Delivery plan 2021 - 2025”
  32. Digital Government Authority. 2024. “Digital government legislation: regulations stimulating digital innovation”
  33. Alotaibi, E.K. 2026. “Enhancing employability through digital transformation: a strategic approach to strengthening the competitiveness of tourism and hospitality education in Saudi Arabia” Frontiers in Education 11, https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2026.1788967.
  34. Al-Anzi, S.H.R., M. Toukabri. 2025. “The impact of digital modernity on administrative performance in Saudi universities” Journal of Management World 2025:268–277, https://doi.org/10.53935/jomw.v2024i4.661.
  35. Digital Government Authority. 2025. “Digital experience maturity index cycle 2025”
  36. Mostafa, E.A.A.G., A.B.S. Alhaj, H.E.O. Bashier. 2025. “The impact of digital transformation on TGM of educational institutions in Saudi Arabia (case study: King Khalid University)” International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies 12:208–212, https://doi.org/10.14419/y4qwyf98.
  37. Sheeran, P. 2002. “Intention-behavior relations: a conceptual and empirical review” European Review of Social Psychology 12:1–36, https://doi.org/10.1080/14792772143000003.
  38. Turner, M., B. Kitchenham, P. Brereton, S. Charters, D. Budgen. 2010. “Does the technology acceptance model predict actual use? A systematic literature review” Information and Software Technology 52:463–477, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infsof.2009.11.005.