Key words: higher education institutions, strategic decision-making, stakeholder participation, data-driven management, digital transformation, strategic planning, governance.
Summary
This article examines strategic decision-making processes in higher education institutions within the context of contemporary governance requirements, focusing on stakeholder participation and the applicability of a data-driven management approach. Globalization, digital transformation, and increasing societal expectations toward educational services require universities to implement flexible, transparent, and accountable governance mechanisms. In this regard, involving key stakeholders—including academic staff, students, administrative units, alumni, employers, and external partners—enhances the legitimacy of strategic decisions and improves the effectiveness of their implementation. At the same time, a data-driven management approach strengthens objectivity and results orientation in decision-making by utilizing digital technologies to collect, analyze, and interpret performance indicators, thereby reducing uncertainty and improving institutional sustainability. The article discusses key approaches to institutionalizing stakeholder engagement and integrating data analytics tools into strategic planning. The findings suggest that combining stakeholder participation with data-driven management significantly contributes to improved governance quality, enhanced decision effectiveness, and sustainable development in higher education institutions.
