Towards an integrated framework for digital transformation in Moroccan higher education

Digital transformation of public universities in developing countries raises a number of difficulties that relate to their institutions' characteristics and strategies. In Morocco, these challenges are amplified by structural, organizational, and technological limitations that hinder the deployment of comprehensive digital initiatives. Despite the presence of a wide range of DX Frameworks in literature, very few are adapted to the specific context of higher education institutions. This study follows a Design Science Research approach combining a systematic literature review with structured expert validation. The systematic literature review investigates how existing DX frameworks integrate critical success factors and to what extent they address the complex, multidimensional nature of transformation in higher education. Through this review, we selected and analyzed 22 relevant frameworks covering various sectors. This analysis reveals that most existing frameworks emphasize technology and strategy but often overlook essential dimensions such as change management, governance, evaluation or data integration. Based on these insights, we propose a holistic DX framework for Moroccan Public Universities (MPU). We structured our framework around seven interdependent dimensions: strategy & Governance, Organization & Processes, Technologies & Infrastructures, Human Capital & Organizational Culture & Change management, Pedagogy & Research, and Data & Evaluation & Continuous improvement. Each dimension is supported by sub-dimensions and interrelations that guide institutions through a structured and adaptive transformation process. We submitted the proposed framework to expert validation through the Content Validity Index (CVI) methodology, involving a panel of 22 domain Experts. Results confirmed strong content validity, with an overall S-CVI/Ave of 0.88 and seven of eight items validated above the operational threshold, particular regarding the framework's coherence, completeness and originality. Expert feedback also informed ten contextual refinements addressing financial sustainability, institutional continuity, and governance coordination. The proposed Framework aims to support decision-makers in planning, implementing, and sustaining digital initiatives in alignment with institutional realities and stakeholder expectations.