CAUDIT’s 2025 Top Ten Report captures the most significant technology-related topics engaging ICT leaders across Australasia’s universities and research institutions.
These rankings emerge from a survey completed by CAUDIT Member Representatives, reflecting the emerging and current technology-related priorities they see as strategically important for their institutions. The annual Top Ten Report aims to spark and illuminate discussions while helping to ground and shape strategic thinking at both the institutional and sectoral level.
Higher education and research institutions are navigating an era of unprecedented complexity and opportunity. From the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to evolving cybersecurity threats, from sustainability imperatives to changing student expectations, CIOs must balance competing priorities while maintaining focus on their institutions’ strategic mission.
The role of ICT has never been more central to institutional success. Technology now underpins every aspect of higher education and research operations, from AI-enhanced learning experiences and data-driven decision making to secure digital environments that enable global collaboration. As institutions face growing complexity and rapid change, CIOs play a vital role in enabling stability, driving innovation, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Today, the ability to lead both the IT function and the institutional digital strategy, while serving as a key member of the executive team, has become a defining characteristic of successful technology leadership in higher education and research.
