Digital Competence of Academic Staff as a Driver of Internationalization and Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Evidence from Ukrainian Universities

Abstract

This study examines the digital competence of academic staff as a systemic factor of internationalization and quality assurance in higher education in the context of digital transformation of Ukraine. The aim is to conceptualize and empirically assess digital maturity, as well as to develop an integrated model for its measurement. Theoretical analysis, critical literature review, index modeling, and empirical methods are used. The empirical data are based on a survey of academic staff at three universities $(\mathbf{n}=\mathbf{1 3 9})$. A system of composite indices (DCMI, QAI, II, ODTI) for assessing digital transformation is proposed. The results suggest that digital competence contributes to internationalization through its integration into institutional quality assurance mechanisms. In the absence of such integration, digital practices remain fragmented. The scientific novelty lies in the development of an integrated model of the relationship between digital maturity, quality and internationalization.