Integration of Local Wisdom and Digital Innovation: A Strategic Management Model for Islamic Higher Education Institutions in Developing Countries

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33650/al-tanzim.v9i3.12292

Authors (s)


(1) * Shinta Nento   (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Manado)  
        Indonesia
(2)  Abdul Haris Abdullah   (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sultan Amai Gorontalo)  
        Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


Islamic Higher Education Institutions (IHEIs) in developing countries face a dual challenge of maintaining cultural identity while pursuing digital transformation. Although digital innovation has been widely studied as a driver of efficiency and competitiveness, limited empirical research explores how local wisdom functions as a strategic enabler in higher education management. This study addresses this gap by proposing a hybrid strategic management model that integrates local wisdom, digital innovation, and strategic leadership. Using a comparative case study of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Egypt, data were collected from secondary sources, including policy documents, institutional reports, and peer-reviewed literature, and analysed through thematic content analysis with cross-case coding. Findings reveal that local wisdom provides legitimacy and cultural grounding, while digital innovation strengthens adaptability and efficiency; strategic leadership integrates both dimensions into sustainable institutional transformation. Theoretically, this study contributes to value-based strategic management literature by challenging the modernity–tradition dichotomy in non-Western contexts. Practically, it offers actionable insights for policymakers and administrators to design strategies that balance technological adoption with the preservation of institutional identity.

Keywords

Strategic Management, Local Wisdom, Digital Innovation, Strategic Leadership



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Al-Tanzim : Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam
Published by Lembaga Penerbitan, Penelitian, dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LP3M) of Nurul Jadid University, Paiton, Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia.