An HEI should integrate the design and organisation of its digital infrastructure to support innovation and entrepreneurship across all its activities. This includes for example the integration of its learning technologies and platforms, research and administrative systems, and supporting ICT services. All digital infrastructure needs to be managed and improved over time to continue to serve its purpose and support the strategy of the HEI, taking into account the dynamic nature of digital transformation and the diverse and evolving needs of its internal and external stakeholders.

The HEI’s strategy should set out the goals of how the institution will seek to innovate and improve by digital transformation. In line with the goals set, the digital infrastructure should support the innovative and creative efforts of leadership, staff, students and the wider stakeholder community. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the digital infrastructure is consciously planned, managed and improved based on user feedback and in line with the monitoring and assessment activities put in place for the implementation of the HEI’s entrepreneurial and innovative activities.

For the optimisation of digital systems and services, the HEI should consider where it is possible to include aspects of interoperability with other national systems and relevant EU initiatives. The HEI should assess how relevant national and international data and content exchange processes can be incorporated into their digital systems and services, with due consideration for data security and privacy. EU initiatives for consideration include, but are not limited to, the European Student Card, the Erasmus Without Paper project, the European Digital Student Infrastructure (EDSSI), eduGAIN credentials and the European Student identifier.