This special issue is inviting authors to present not just the opportunities that arise through digital transformation in higher education, but to also present how the notion of 'place' will be maintained across leadership, teaching and learning strategies. In order to achieve a successful agenda on digital transformation across all disciplines in academia, we need to empower staff and future decision makers so that they are able to see not only the challenges but also the opportunities towards an inclusive practice and addressing the sense of belongingness. Specifically, higher education plays a crucial role in promoting a paradigm that can shift from traditional teaching and learning towards developing an awareness around the use of technology and its potential. This paradigm will require systemic vision that needs to include various topics around opportunities and challenges. The paradigm needs allow analysis of the current and future trends and how academia can take responsibility across all levels in a democratic way. A stronger bond and continuity between higher education and industry is also needed in order to develop the skills of the future. Upskilling, reskilling and skills gap are the keywords of the future industry needs and this presents a great opportunity for higher education to embed it across its curriculum and strategic decisions.

Achieving a digital transformation agenda in the higher education sector requires a transformative approach across teaching and learning. It needs inclusive practices across campus management, the research agenda and the learning experiences. Digital transformation in higher education is highly needed and the sector must recognise the need to scale up and accelerate change.