Do Digital Transformations Ensure Sustainable Education in the HEIs? A Conceptual Framework Based on TOE and RBV

Higher education Institutions (HEIs) all around the world are experiencing a dramatic digital transformation that is altering teaching, learning, research, and institutional governance. The COVID-19 pandemic has expedited digital transformation, which has developed from an emergency response to a strategic requirement for institutional resilience, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. Hence, this study aims to investigate whether digital transformation confirm sustainable education in the HEIs. Current paper is relevant as it examines the relationship between digital transformation and sustainable education in HEI which also align to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (SDG-4) like ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for the students. Moreover, this study contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Based on TOE and RBV models, a conceptual framework has been developed and suggested four independent factors (digital infrastructure, digital competence, Technology-enabled Teaching–Learning Practices, and supportive policies), one moderating factor (adequate funding), as well as one dependent factor like sustainable education. Using quantitative research, firstly, different Private Universities will be selected based on stratified sampling technique and secondly, 230 responses will be gathered from faculty members and students utilizing judgmental sampling procedure. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS software will be used to analyze the collected data. The paper extends TOE and RBV models by integrating additional constructs and offers valuable theoretical, managerial, economic, and social implications.