Objectives
Objectives
The long-term objectives of the digitalisation strategy are based on the intention of not pursuing digitalisation as an end in itself, but to consciously develop the university in a contemporary way and keep it competitive in research, studiying and teaching, further education and administration on the basis of specific needs and identified potential.
A key prerequisite for this is to initiate a cultural change at the university. Digitalisation in the sense of a digital transformation does not happen on its own - it requires an open attitude and approach from all members of the university. This means that digitalisation must be perceived as an opportunity and an enrichment, while taking possible risks into account, and used sensibly for the efficiency and effectiveness of the university.
With this in mind, the university has set itself the following overarching goals:
Strengthening the digital sovereignty of all members of the university
In order to ensure the university's competitiveness, it is a key objective to develop the necessary skills for a (digitally) changing world: Researchers, teaching staff, students and employees in technology and administration must be able to keep up with the continuous changes and be able to act. They all need digital skills that enable them not only to deal with the new digital changes, but also to use and reflect on them in an active and self-determined way, i.e. to think and act with digital confidence. Taking responsibility for one's own actions in the digital space goes hand in hand with expanding and continuously developing digital skills. (Further) training and teaching programmes are designed to ensure that all members of the university are able to act accordingly. Teaching digital skills in a gender- and diversity-sensitive manner ensures the participation of all and counteracts major differences, particularly in terms of age, education and type of professional activity (digital gender gap and digital skills gap).
Shaping digital transformation
Digital transformation is being (co-)shaped by all members of the UOL and is seen as a strategic goal in university development and structural planning. The digital transformation affects all subject cultures and is changing research practices and the acquisition of scientific knowledge. The interdisciplinary further development and application of digital technologies as well as the scientific examination of the opportunities and risks of digital transformation is a central task of the university. Through targeted development and structural planning, university stakeholders can and must profitably shape the networking of different disciplines and a corresponding digital research infrastructure, in particular through the corresponding orientation and creation of professorships, research profiles and research specialisations.
Improve processes in all areas of university activity
The digitalisation strategy aims to improve processes in the three fields of action of Research and Transfer, Studying and Teaching, and Administration and Services, with a focus on digitalisation and digital transformation. The responsible use of digital tools, media and methods offers the opportunity to make work processes in the respective fields of action more efficient, effective, flexible and participatory from a university-wide perspective. This also includes the willingness to record, standardise and simplify work processes within a field of action and across all fields of action, as well as the openness of those involved to agree on changes and support them on the organisational side.
Adapt and improve infrastructures
In order to further increase the attractiveness of the on-site location, the university needs modern, accessible and user-orientated IT infrastructures. Modern digital technologies and engineering serve innovation, good work, networking and the participation of all. Spatial concepts that respond to the digital transformation and thus also promote cultural change at the university are also part of the adaptation of infrastructures. The development of the infrastructure is driven by the activities in the fields of action and the digitalisation goals specified there. All systems must also fulfil IT security requirements.
In order to realise these university objectives, strategic goals for the coming years are presented below in relation to the areas of study and teaching, research and transfer as well as administration and service, and key measures for implementation are presented.
In addition, digitalisation and its opportunities and risks must be reflected and operationalised in the strategic considerations on cross-cutting issues (sustainability and climate protection, internationalisation, equal opportunities / equality, family friendliness and diversity, promotion of early career researchers).