Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence for Advancing Fairness in Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education. A comprehensive approach towards change management for sustainable transformation at CIMEA-NARIC.

This dissertation explores the intersection of digital transformation, change management and AI in the field of credential evaluation, focusing on the strategic and operational transformations undertaken by CIMEA (Centro Informazioni sulla Mobilità e le Equivalenze Accademiche). Through an in-depth analysis of change management principles, digitalization strategies and AI implementation, the research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how technology-driven innovations are redefining recognition processes. The study also considers the broader implications of these transformations for sustainability, internationalization and institutional resilience. The dissertation is structured into four core chapters, each addressing a critical dimension of digital transformation in credential recognition. The first chapter establishes the theoretical foundations by examining change management and digitalization in modern organizations. The second chapter explores the regulatory landscape governing qualification recognition, artificial intelligence (AI) and data governance, offering a comprehensive overview of global, regional and institutional-level guidelines that shape policy and practice in this domain. The third chapter presents CIMEA's digital transformation journey, with a particular focus on the development and evolution of the DiploMe platform, a digital ecosystem designed to enhance the recognition of foreign qualifications. The last chapter delves into the implementation of AI, analyzing its potential applications, challenges and alignment with global policy frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, these chapters offer a structured narrative that highlights the role of technological advancements in fostering efficiency, transparency and equity in higher education systems.