What is the digital transformation strategy for science and universities?

Contents:

• What should happen

On July 14, the "Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Science and Higher Education" was published on the website of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. This 260-page document describes plans to create a variety of digital systems for scientific organizations and universities in Russia. The implementation of these systems is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of work in the field of science and education, as well as strengthen interaction between various institutions. Digital transformation will be a key step toward modernizing the educational process and scientific research in the country.

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The Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Science and Higher Education is one of the key initiatives approved in late June by the Presidium of the relevant government commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. This document aims to modernize and optimize educational processes, as well as integrate new technologies into scientific research. In addition to the strategy for science and education, other important documents were developed covering such areas as healthcare, public administration, construction, urban management, housing and utilities, transport, energy, agriculture, financial services, industry, the environment, and the social sphere. These initiatives are aimed at the comprehensive digitalization of various sectors, thereby improving the quality of life for citizens and increasing the efficiency of public services.

In a decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin last year, digital transformation was identified as one of the key goals of national development. A key indicator of the success of this transformation is the level of "digital maturity" in key economic and social sectors, including healthcare, education, and public administration. Improving digital maturity in these areas contributes to improved service quality, process optimization, and increased efficiency of government agencies.

The Ministry of Education and Science has published a strategy aimed at achieving "digital maturity" in science and higher education. In this strategy, the ministry proposes specific solutions and initiatives that will help integrate digital technologies into the educational process and scientific research. The main goal is to create a modern educational space that promotes the development of the competencies necessary for working in the digital economy. The strategy includes measures to update educational programs, implement new technologies, and improve the qualifications of teaching staff.

The data management system for science and higher education will become an important tool for optimizing information management processes. The first version of the system, featuring functionality for collecting, cleaning, processing, and presenting data, is scheduled for launch in 2022. According to the strategy, the final version of the system will significantly simplify data exchange between higher education institutions and research organizations with the Ministry of Education and Science. Moreover, it will ensure access to this data for external users. It is expected that businesses will be able to seamlessly access research results, and citizens will have access to various services based on this data. This initiative will not only increase the transparency of scientific activity but also promote innovation and collaboration across sectors.

The project in question is one of two for which a cost estimate has already been calculated within the framework of the strategy. The total investment will amount to 685 million rubles. According to the document, 245 million rubles are planned to be allocated for the development of DataHub in 2021 from the national project "Science and Universities." The project will require 230 million in 2022, 115 million in 2023, and 95 million rubles in 2024.

The project involves the creation of a BI system designed to support organizations in their digital transformation. The Ministry of Education and Science will use this system to monitor changes in the "digital maturity" passports of universities. Some data from these passports will be available on a public website, ensuring transparency and access to information. The strategy does not yet specify the amount required for the development and implementation of the system. The system is expected to begin generating revenue in 2024.

The digital university project is a comprehensive solution for optimizing all business processes in science and higher education. It is more than just a platform for online classes and schedule management. The digital university includes effective monitoring of research activity, human resource management, financial flows, and other administrative processes. This approach significantly improves the quality of education and increases the efficiency of educational institutions by creating a unified digital space for students and faculty.

Some Russian universities are actively implementing digital services in various fields. This strategy includes the creation of a unified model, which will be developed within consortia consisting of universities and EdTech companies. This approach integrates the latest technologies into the educational process, improving the quality of learning and access to educational resources.

The goal is to create a unified ecosystem of services aimed at participants in the educational process. This ecosystem will be based on network interaction, improving the quality of education and simplifying access to necessary resources. By 2024, at least half of the universities under the Ministry of Education and Science must implement the digital university model. Additionally, the same number of universities are required to implement educational programs aimed at creating individualized educational trajectories for students. The project is expected to be funded through the "Digital Economy of the Russian Federation" program, but the amount of necessary funds is not disclosed in the strategy. This innovation is aimed at improving the quality of education and adapting universities to the modern labor market requirements. According to the strategy, the creation of this platform will, in the long term, become the basis for the formation of a unified ecosystem of services in the scientific field. Scientists will be able to use the system to conduct joint research, as well as access international databases and available support measures. As a result, a "virtual assistant for scientists" will appear in Russia, simplifying the research process and increasing the effectiveness of scientific work. This initiative is aimed at integrating the scientific community and optimizing the work of researchers, which, in turn, will contribute to the development of science and innovation in the country.

This is not the first time that the Ministry of Education and Science has tried to develop A national-scale information system for the scientific community. In 2017, the "Map of Russian Science" project, a service offering up-to-date information on various scientists and research teams, was completed. 450 million rubles have been allocated for its creation since 2012. These efforts highlight the importance and necessity of systematizing data on Russian science to enhance its competitiveness and improve the conditions for scientific research.

The objectives of the future system are becoming more ambitious, and the expected cost of the project is doubling. According to the strategy, the first platform services, such as scientist portfolios and collective interaction in scientific projects, should begin functioning in 2021. By 2024, the launch of additional services, including the "state dissernet", is planned. Funding in the amount of 975 million rubles has been allocated for the project’s implementation within the framework of the national project "Science and Universities". The budget distribution will be as follows: 375 million in 2021, 280 million in 2022, 175 million in 2023, and 145 million in 2024.

Creating a unified information environment for interaction between universities and suppliers of equipment and software will be a key step in updating the educational infrastructure. The Russian Ministry of Education and Science is committed to implementing this platform, which will significantly improve the quality of educational services and optimize procurement processes. As a result, universities will gain access to modern technologies and resources, which will contribute to increased competitiveness and the effectiveness of the educational process. By 2024, 75% of equipment and software purchases for universities under the ministry's jurisdiction should be made online. However, the strategy does not specify the resources required to create the marketplace. This is an important aspect, as the successful transition to online procurement requires not only technological infrastructure but also financial investments for the development and maintenance of the platform. The issue of marketplace funding remains open and requires further discussion. The project focuses on developing digital competencies among students and faculty. A key stage of the project's implementation will be the creation and training of digital transformation teams at each university under the Ministry of Education and Science. All teams must be fully operational by 2024. Universities are currently introducing a new position of vice rector for digital transformation, and some institutions are developing special programs to train these teams. This approach will ensure more effective integration of digital technologies into the educational process and enhance the qualifications of higher education institution staff. By 2030, all employees, including faculty and administrative staff, as well as students, at educational institutions under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Science must complete a program to enhance digital competencies. However, the strategy does not specify the resources required to implement this program. Improving digital skills is an important step toward adapting the education system to the modern requirements and challenges of the digital age. The goal of this project is to systematize and regulate business processes at higher education institutions and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. To achieve this goal, a separate information system will be developed, accessible via a web interface and a mobile app. Users will be able to easily order services and receive results. It is important to note that the sources and amount of funding for the project's implementation are not yet specified in the strategy.

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The digital environment includes a variety of aspects, from e-government to the digitalization of education and healthcare. It is important to note that the successful implementation of such projects requires an integrated approach that includes technical, legal, and social aspects. Effective use of digital technologies not only improves the quality of services but also increases the transparency and accountability of government agencies.

Thus, understanding and studying the digital environment in the context of government projects is necessary to assess their impact on society and the country's economy. The development and implementation of innovative solutions in the digital environment will help ensure sustainable development and compliance with modern user requirements.

This project is one of two for which the cost has already been calculated within the framework of the strategy. The total budget for its implementation is 685 million rubles. In 2021, 245 million rubles will be allocated for the creation of DataHub from the national project "Science and Universities." 230 million rubles are earmarked for 2022, 115 million rubles for 2023, and 95 million rubles for 2024.

What should happen

The digital transformation strategy for science and higher education aims to create "digital unity." All seven services must be integrated and operate nationwide. Indicators for achieving "digital maturity" in the industry assume that by 2030, all universities under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science will achieve 100% digitalization. This will improve the quality of education, improve access to educational resources, and ensure more effective university management. An important aspect of the strategy is the creation of a single digital platform that will unite all educational institutions, which, in turn, will facilitate the exchange of data and best practices in the field of education.

• a target model of a digital university will be implemented;
• a basic level of digital maturity will be achieved;
• all educational programs will be implemented with the construction of individual educational trajectories for students;
• a "Marketplace of services" will be used (apparently, this refers to the seventh project of the strategy - "Service hub") for the creation and management of services.

By this point, it is necessary to implement a mechanism for interdepartmental network interaction of educational institutions to integrate educational services and the content of educational programs. This will improve the quality of education and ensure access to modern resources and technologies.

Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Alexander Narukavnikov, at a meeting with university digital transformation leaders, noted that the first step in implementing the strategy will be assessing the "digital maturity" of educational institutions. Methodologies for this assessment are being developed at MIPT and RANEPA. Narukavnikov urged the developers to accelerate the testing process so that the "digital maturity" of universities can be assessed by the end of the year. This will determine the current level of digitalization and develop plans for further development in a rapidly changing educational environment.

We are training digital teams that have already been tasked with developing a digital transformation program. They need a foundation from which to begin, and it is important for the ministry to consider the current situation. The programs will clearly define the desired outcome these teams are striving for, and this should be harmoniously linked to our strategy for the digital transformation of science and higher education.

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Be sure to read the additional materials:

• 50 shades of digital transformation in Russian universities
• Full distance learning: how to organize an online bachelor's degree
• Minister Falkov on students' digital portfolios
• What was discussed at the first all-Russian IET conference for universities

We will train digital teams, who will already have prepared homework on developing a digital transformation program. However, to do this, they need to have a starting point, and the ministry must also rely on the current situation. Their programs will include an image of the desired outcome they are striving for, and this should be aligned with our strategy for the digital transformation of science and higher education. It is important that all stages of work are aimed at achieving specific goals and meet modern requirements and challenges.