In the awarded publication, the research team presented ongoing developments and projects in the field of digitization of higher education institutions based on use cases, processes and infrastructures in the context of EU developments and standardization efforts (EU SDG). With this work and the EUNIS Elite Award, a broader awareness of the need for further research in this area can now be created. The criteria evaluated included innovation, benefits, and transferability of the project.
OZG as an Additional Driver of Digitization
In the use cases and processes discussed in the publication, for example, various types of application procedures were presented. In particular, the coordination of the parties involved in the process (Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (SfH), Higher Education Institutions, Applicants) is important for an effective process and requires the strategic and systematic expansion of digitization. The Online Access Act (OZG) has further strengthened this need for digitization of higher education processes. It obliges the federal, state, and (local) authorities to offer their administrative services digitally via administrative portals and web applications by the end of 2022, e.g., for university admissions and for the preparation of final certificates and diplomas at schools or universities.
Consistent Data Transmission and Large Number of Projects as Biggest Challenges
Currently, several projects and initiatives are taking bold steps related to the creation and transfer of digital credentials, sometimes overlapping in scope and often leaving room for new initiatives. The primary focus here should be on developing a uniform, usable and consistent data transfer. Together with the large number of projects in this area, which is slowing down a start to the development of digital processes, this was identified as the greatest challenge for future digitization at German universities.
Progress on Digitization of Higher Education Processes towards Standards EU & DE: Status and future Perspectives, by Guido Bacharach, Matthias Gottlieb, Jan Joost Norder, Hans Pongratz, Ramona-Denisa Steiper, Wolfgang Radenbach, Hermann Strack and Arn Waßmann.
https://www.eunis.org/awards/eunis-elite-award/