Digital Transformation in Chinese Higher Education: Leadership and Governance Perspectives

The digital transformation of higher education is reshaping universities worldwide, demanding new leadership approaches and governance frameworks. In China, national initiatives and policies have accelerated the digitization of universities, positioning digital transformation as a strategic priority for educational modernization. This review examines how leadership and governance in Chinese higher education are responding to the digital era, synthesizing findings from recent literature (2019–2025). Background: Chinese universities are tasked with implementing ambitious programs (e.g. “Double First-Class” initiative and Education Informatization 2.0) to enhance global competitiveness through technology integration. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, drawing on academic studies, policy analyses, and case reports to identify key themes regarding leadership roles, governance changes, challenges, and outcomes in China’s digital higher education transformation. Results: The analysis reveals that effective digital transformation in Chinese universities is underpinned by visionary leadership and supportive governance structures. University leaders are developing digital strategies aligned with national policy, fostering organizational change, and building digital capacities among faculty and staff. Governance reforms – including new administrative units, data governance policies, and cross-departmental collaboration mechanisms – are emerging to manage digital initiatives. However, challenges persist: disparities in digital readiness, resistance to change, and the need for greater digital literacy and culture limit transformation efforts. Conclusions: Chinese higher education’s digital transformation showcases the critical interplay between strong leadership and adaptive governance. University leaders who champion innovation and align institutional governance with technological change are better positioned to realize the benefits of digital education. The findings highlight strategies to overcome implementation barriers and offer insights for other systems navigating similar transitions.