The Impact of Digital Transformation on Supporting Sustainability Practices in Higher Education Institutions: An Applied Study

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of digital transformation on supporting sustainability practices in higher education institutions through an empirical investigation at the Libyan Academy for Graduate Studies–Western Coast Branch. A descriptive-analytical research design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 29 academic and administrative staff members. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. The findings revealed a high level of digital transformation implementation and an overall high level of sustainability practices. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that digital transformation had a statistically significant positive effect on sustainability practices, explaining 70.9% of the variance. Smart systems and digital services emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by technological and cloud readiness, digital governance, and digital skills and culture. Although digital skills showed the weakest relative effect, they remained statistically significant. Academic sustainability achieved the highest level among sustainability dimensions, whereas environmental sustainability recorded the lowest level, highlighting the need for stronger integration of digital transformation into environmental initiatives. The study recommends strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing digital competencies, improving digital governance frameworks, and expanding environmentally oriented digital practices to achieve sustainable and resilient higher education institutions.