Bridging the Digital Divide: Enhancing Inclusivity and Resilience in Higher Educationthrough Digitalization

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how digitalization affects inclusivity and workforce resilience within higher education institutions (HEIs). Based on a quantitative research design, data were collected by administering structured questionnaires to faculty members of both public and private universities in Dera Ismail Khan. Digitalization features the next inclusivity in a workspace and makes it less susceptible to weakening workforce resilience by democratizing access to knowledge and fostering collaborative opportunities. At the same time, digital solutions come with challenges as digitalization can widen the digital divide through disparities in technology access and proficiency. It reinforces the need to distribute resources accordingly in terms of digital tools and training within HEIs to leverage transformations optimally. This fieldwork should be supplemented with further in-depth research across more varied institutions, examining long-term effects.