Digitalized higher education as a frontier of social sustainability

This commentary addresses concerns regarding the nature of digitalization observed across our societies and economies, its impact on human flourishing and planetary wellbeing, and the role of higher education institutions. We recognize that the way digitalization is developing in higher education, and the world more broadly, serves the interests of a few rather than the wellbeing of all. We argue that adopting a social sustainability perspective could be an effective approach for higher education to change course and more positively influence the evolution of digitalization in society and the economy. We advocate that higher education institutions democratize decision-making related to their digital infrastructures and adapt their routine, mundane practices to support social sustainability commitments. Such practices include procurement policies, evaluation of technological and AI tools, and a commitment to open-source solutions and ethically responsible technology leadership.