Digital transformation in higher education: a bibliometric analysis of global and South African trends (2013–2023)’

This paper provides a bibliometric review of digital transformation in higher education institutions (HEIs), examining how this shift bridges the gap between strategic vision and practical implementation to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. It analyzes the literature from 2013 to 2023, using a bibliometric approach to explore global and South African trends. Key themes include “e-learning,” “blended learning,” and “teaching strategies,” with significant growth post-2019, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research leverages Scopus data and VOSViewer for visualizing trends, measuring performance metrics like publication volume and citation frequency, and mapping scientific collaboration. The study reveals that while South Africa’s output (448 documents) remains smaller compared to global trends, it shows a marked upward trajectory in recent years. By examining the interplay between strategic planning and on-the-ground implementation, the review highlights the ways HEIs can align digital initiatives with institutional goals to foster innovation and long-term competitiveness. In doing so, it underscores the importance of supportive institutional policies and international collaboration, particularly for emerging South African researchers, to ensure that digital transformation efforts lead to inclusive, sustained progress. These insights offer actionable strategies for HEIs to enhance their digital transformation efforts in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.