Implementing Digital Transformation through Development Projects: Comparing Two Digitalisatin Initiatives in Higher Education

This chapter compares two digitalisation initiatives in higher education in the Netherlands (Npuls) and North Rhine-Westphalia (Digitale Hochschule NRW), focusing on objectives, funding, stakeholder involvement and project structures. The analysis explores how these initiatives drive innovation and organisational change in higher education systems through project-based governance. Npuls emphasises collaboration and diverse projects, while Digitale Hochschule NRW prioritises structured collaboration and consensus between universities, potentially putting innovation at risk. Both programmes aim to improve teaching quality and digital literacy through knowledge transfer mechanisms such as centres for teaching and learning. The balance between flexibility and structure in project development is crucial for effective digital transformation in higher education.