Cover
Volume 7, Special Issue 4 (2026)

Published: August 25, 2026

Pages: 221-239

Research Article

Reengineering digital thinking among university leaders to adopt the smart university through digital readiness: An analytical study of the opinions of some university leaders

Yousif H. S. Al-Taie 1 Hussein M. A. Kashkool 2 Nadia K. Awad 3
1College of administration and economics, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
2College of administration and economics, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Karbala, Iraq
3College of Engineering, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
History
  • Received: June 13, 2026
  • Available Online: August 25, 2026
DOI

https://doi.org/10.56967/ejfb2026932

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of reengineering digital thinking among university leaders and their belief in digital transformation in creating and adopting the smart university, which keeps pace with developments in artificial intelligence and digital tools. These represent some of the most important dimensions of digital transformation in an era in which digitalization has become one of the most significant competitive priorities. University leaders should therefore incorporate digital readiness into their strategic plans to ensure that the university completes the requirements of digital transformation, reaches the stage of becoming a smart university, and moves beyond traditional practices. Given the importance of reengineering leadership mindsets to foster belief in digitalization within higher education institutions and the need for universities to keep pace with rapid technological changes, the study problem was formulated around the question of the extent to which reengineering digital thinking among university leaders contributes to enhancing universities' digital readiness in a manner that supports the adoption of smart university dimensions and the achievement of the requirements of modern university transformation. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach. Its population and sample consisted of university leaders, including college deans, assistant deans, and heads of departments. A total of 73 valid responses were obtained for analysis. The study was based on three main variables. The first variable was reengineering digital thinking, comprising the following dimensions: leadership's belief in digital transformation, strategic digital vision, data-driven thinking, rapid responsiveness to digital changes, digital knowledge sharing, and digital skills updating. The second variable was digital readiness, comprising the dimensions of digital foresight, agile organizational structure, digital governance, digital competencies, and digital proactivity. The third variable was the smart university, comprising the dimensions of smart infrastructure, smart education, smart digital administration, smart services, digital innovation, and smart core capabilities of faculty members. The study found a significant correlation and significant effect between reengineering digital thinking and digital readiness. It also revealed a significant effect of digital readiness on the adoption of the smart university. These findings indicate that developing and reengineering digital thinking among university leaders contributes effectively to enhancing the level of digital readiness of universities, which, in turn, positively affects their ability to adopt smart university systems and improve the efficiency of academic and educational performance. The results also demonstrated that strategic digital vision, data-driven thinking, and digital skills updating are among the most influential dimensions in supporting the transition toward the smart university. The study recommends that universities adopt specialized programs for reengineering the digital thinking of university leaders, strengthen digital governance, develop smart infrastructure, invest in developing digital competencies, and foster a culture of digital innovation. Such initiatives would contribute to the transition toward smart universities and enhance their competitiveness and sustainability in the contemporary higher education environment.

Keywords

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