‘Outdated’: Wavenet says educational institutions need to change their approach to digital transformation projects
IT service and security provider Wavenet is calling for a reset in how further and higher educational institutions approach digital transformations.
Wavenet claims many educational institutions view digital transformation as a technology upgrade - such as moving systems onto a cloud platform or expanding their online course offerings.
The company claims this approach is “outdated” as real transformation requires an ongoing journey.
“Transformation in further and higher education has to be about more than digitization, it’s about access, equity, and academic excellence,” explains Nick Shea, Director of Education at Wavenet. “We work with colleges and universities to build solutions that support their mission, protect their data, and evolve with their students.”
Wavenet claims building a sustainable digital roadmap requires institutions to assess their:
Technology stack, identifying legacy platforms that complicate integration or expose the institution to data security risks;
Processes, streamlining every step from enrollment to grading and research collaboration;
People and culture, assessing staff digital readiness, providing adequate training and addressing hesitancy among academics.
As modern university campuses are increasingly digitalized, students need to be supported both in virtual and physical environments. Wavenet says this requires an integrated digital foundation that sees cloud technology, communications platforms and cybersecurity protections working together.
In a statement, Wavenet argues: “The pressures on the education sector are mounting: tighter budgets, increased expectations, and a rapidly evolving digital world. Colleges and universities can’t afford to delay transformation or treat it as a side project.”
Earlier this week, a new report from 8x8 suggested the UK’s education sector is struggling with legacy systems and tools and argued modernization is required.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Digital transformation will be a key focus area at our sister title RTIH’s 2025 Innovation Awards.
The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.
For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.
