Academic Leadership and Digital Transformation as Drivers for Business Model Innovation and Excellence in Shanghai Ranking (ARWU): An Analytical Study at the University of Anbar

Abstract

This paper seeks to recommend a Global Business Model Innovation (GBMI 3.0) model that will enable the University of Anbar to fill the technological maturity and human competency gap to improve its preparedness for the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). It takes a mixed-methods approach and comparative case study design between the University of Anbar and the University of Tunis El Manar, gathering information from 84 academic leaders based on the basis of a validated questionnaire and a unique Digital Maturity Checklist created with the use of a 7-point documentation scale. The research incorporates Systems Theory, UTAUT2 and Institutional Imprint Theory. Findings indicate that although the university has a high technological maturity in terms of infrastructure at 90.6, there is a severe shortage of human digital skills at 40, which prevents the generation of high-impact research. The GBMI 3.0 model suggests four coordinated stages, including value creation, value proposition, value capture, and digital maturity, that will address this gap and make ARWU more prepared. The research makes a contribution to the literature because it simplifies the GBMI 3.0 model, in which the digital inputs are directly related to ARWU outputs to provide a strategic roadmap for universities in developing contexts.