Digital Risk Governance in Higher Education Digital Transformation: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Digital transformation strategies at universities present significant challenges regarding structure and strategy, especially in digital risk governance. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines to examine how these risks are managed and identify the frameworks applied, particularly in contexts where the integration of emerging technologies reshapes organizational processes. Indexed databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and Dimensions) were examined, focusing on publications from 2019 to 2025. Following the removal of duplicates and the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 40 pertinent papers were identified through an iterative filtering process of key themes associated with the topic. The results illustrate the governance strategies implemented and the interaction of rules, standards, and management models in digital transformation strategy. The review identifies conceptual fragmentation across digital transformation, digital culture, risk governance, and smart university research, and proposes an integrative synthesis grounded in the reviewed corpus.