ACCELERATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION WITH ROBOTIC
PROCESS AUTOMATION
Abstract
Although the process of digitization in higher education began a long
time ago, unfortunately, as various studies have pointed out, many
higher education institutions are not yet fully prepared, facing
challenges associated with the need for accelerated digitization caused
by pandemic. However, the COVID-19 crisis has provided an opportunity to
find digital solutions that are inexpensive and can be applied as soon
as possible. Leveraging digital development opportunities in education
is supported by emerging technologies. In this regard, this paper aims
to present how Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology can help
higher education (HE) institutions in their journey of digital
transformation, taking into account the different perspectives of
teachers and students, researchers, and administrative staff. Although
currently there are some studies and scientific papers dealing with the
adoption of RPA to solve some of the issues related to higher education
and to support teachers, there is little previous research on how
RPA-based solutions could help streamline researchers’ activities,
administrative staff and students. According to a report published by
Gartner, Inc. in September 2020, global RPA software revenues are
expected to reach $ 1.89 billion in 2021, registering an increase of
19.5% over 2020. Moreover, various researchers estimated that the
global RPA market will continue to grow by double digits until 2024. The
paper presents some of the main possibilities that open up with the
application of such solutions in higher education institutions.
Moreover, we present some of the key issues and challenges posed by the
adoption of RPA in higher education. In order to ensure the adoption of
RPA, several solutions need to be taken into consideration by different
higher education stakeholders. For instance, a digital transformation
strategy should be developed, to encourage open-mindedness towards
automation. Given the potential that RPA offers for higher education
institutions, we estimate the intensification of RPA adoption in higher
education.