A digital skills development framework for digitally maturing South African Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

The advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution brought on an onslaught of technology rippling through a multitude of industries. Smart Cities, Smart Communities, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing are but a few buzzwords of this digital age. It is argued in Information Systems that many of the challenges faced by communities can be addressed in part through the innovative use of technology. As Higher Education (HE) communities move from traditional campus communities to smart campus communities, the application and implementation of technological advancements and digital skills are needed to facilitate the transition. The disruption caused by COVID-19 virus has had a significant effect on the tertiary educational sector. This research is particularly important and relevant in a post-pandemic phase in which HE finds itself. Especially, establishing a technological and digitally equipped HE community to safeguard itself from possible future threats that impede daily operations within HE campus communities.